The Dutch electricity grid is under pressure. More and more businesses and institutions are requesting more capacity than the grid can locally deliver, or want to feed power back while the grid can't always handle it. The result: congestion.
To prevent congestion, grid operators maintain a growing queue of connections. In some regions, the waiting list extends to 2036 and beyond.
Why do grid operators offer flex contracts?
Grid operators are legally obliged to connect everyone to the electricity grid. But the grid has physical limits: cables, transformers, and stations have a maximum load capacity. When too many customers simultaneously have peak loads that exceed the grid's capacity, congestion (or 'transport scarcity') occurs.
Grid expansion costs years and billions of euros. But fortunately, there is an alternative.
Flex contracts are a faster, cheaper interim solution: in exchange for compensation, grid operators ask customers to temporarily limit their consumption or feed-in. This way, the grid doesn't need to be reinforced as quickly and more customers can still be connected.
Which flex contracts are available in the Netherlands?
Regional grid operators offer various instruments in congested areas to get customers off the waiting list sooner. The four most common are:
- CBC (Capacity Limitation Contract) — Limit capacity for consumption or feed-in during peak moments
- CSC (Congestion Steering Contract) — Actively deliver flexibility during congestion, e.g., via a battery
- Bidding Obligation — Accept feed-in limitations via market-based bidding
- Congestion-mitigating Measure — Get priority for grid connection through flex asset investment
When is a flex contract beneficial?
The right contract depends on your situation. If your connection is in a congested area and you want to consume more power than available, CBC and CSC are the most relevant options. Both give you access to capacity that wouldn't be available without the contract.
If you've been on the waiting list for years, a congestion-mitigating measure can get you connected sooner by proving you burden the grid less.
How Skoon helps
Skoon calculates multiple scenarios — different technologies, contract combinations, and investment levels — so you make an informed choice. Via our procurement platform, you'll find a wide range of mobile and fixed flex assets: battery containers, generators, and hybrid systems.
See our complete guide to grid congestion solutions for more context on how flex contracts fit into the bigger picture.
Contact us to discuss whether your situation qualifies for a flex contract, or to have a first business case calculated.