You have been hearing and reading more lately about net congestion: a full electricity grid. What does that mean exactly and what can we do about it? 5 questions and answers about net congestion.

1. What is net congestion?

Net congestion means that the electricity grid is overloaded or is about to be. More people and organizations want to use power than is available, which can cause disruptions. The grid operators want to prevent this by announcing net congestion. This means that they temporarily do not provide new connections to so-called large consumers, such as supermarkets or schools. They can keep their existing connection, but not expand it. All requests for new connections or expansions go on a waiting list.

2. What is being done about net congestion?

The grid operators TenneT and Stedin are building more electricity grids, resulting in more substations: in Rotterdam, as many as 1000 more between now and 2050. The municipality helps find suitable locations and speeds up the permit procedures. Additionally, it is important to use electricity more intelligently and flexibly. Companies and citizens need to be aware of when a lot of electricity is being consumed and try to plan their usage better.

3. What can entrepreneurs do, for example?

An entrepreneur can use the Flex Scan. Such a scan shows if and how the entrepreneur can use their energy consumption more flexibly, potentially allowing them to do more within the existing connection. The municipality reimburses up to 80% of the costs of a Flex Scan (up to 20,000 euros) and also helps entrepreneurs find innovative solutions.

4. What can I do myself against net congestion?

As a citizen, you have a small consumer connection. These connections are not affected by net congestion. However, we all pay for the electricity grid, so it is always good to use the electricity grid smarter. You can do this by using energy as much as possible during times when the grid is less busy: during the day until 4:00 PM or in the evening after 9:00 PM. For example, run the washing machine during these hours, or charge your car then. And if you have solar panels, it is smart to use electricity as much as possible during the hours when the sun shines.

5. When will the problem be solved?

This varies by area. In the port area and Hoek van Holland, Rozenburg, and Pernis, TenneT expects the grid to be sufficiently expanded between 2027 and 2029. For the rest of the city, TenneT expects the structural capacity expansion on the grid to be ready between 2032 and 2035.

More information can be found on the website Ondernemen010.