Companies wishing to jointly enter into an energy contract can now apply for a group transport agreement (GTO) with the network operator. The Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) recently made this possible through a code decision. This new contract form provides the legal basis for energy hubs, where multiple large consumers exchange their individual energy contracts for a joint group contract. This allows them to share transport capacity, become more sustainable, and grow without overloading the grid.

Next Step Towards Energy Hubs

An energy hub is a local collaboration between companies that jointly generate, use, store, and share energy. Through smart technologies, participants can easily and quickly utilize energy exactly when needed. Where a company was previously only an energy consumer, agreements can now be made with a group transport agreement about joint generation, transport, and storage. Recently, several pilots for energy hubs have been running in Brabant. Thanks to the ACM code decision (refers to another website), there is now a legal basis enabling energy hubs to be realized. From January 1, 2027, network operators are required to offer a GTO. Until then, network operators have the option to offer the contract voluntarily.

Reducing Pressure on the Power Grid

By smartly and actively managing energy demand and supply, companies can still expand or become more sustainable despite grid congestion. For the network operator, a group transport agreement has the advantage that the total capacity of the group is lower than the sum of the individual companies. Smart collaboration creates more net space on the grid for the group. Thus, energy hubs help reduce pressure on the congested power grid, although reinforcement of the electricity grid remains necessary.

Support from the Province

Province of North Brabant supports initiatives to work together towards a group transport agreement. For example, by financing feasibility studies for energy hubs in an early phase.

Read more about energy hubs and the role of the Province of North Brabant