Measures against full power grid in Flevopolder, Gelderland and Utrecht accelerated and expanded

The grid operators investigate per region which (additional) measures are needed to ensure that the electricity grid remains reliable, there is sufficient space for households and housing and, where possible, space is created for companies. This shows that in the Flevopolder-Gelderland-Utrecht region, despite the significant investments by the grid operators, the demand for space on the power grid is growing faster than the grid operators can expand the grid. Some of the measures will initially be applied in Utrecht.

Temporary extra electricity production

Some bottlenecks on the power grid can be solved by temporarily installing additional electricity production in addition to batteries. These can assist at times when there is more regional demand for electricity than can fit on the high-voltage grid. Because peaks in power demand last too long to be met with batteries alone, gas generators are also temporarily used for this purpose. Using this temporarily and only during peak times ensures that structural sustainability can continue as much as possible. In the long term, this leads to a decrease in CO₂emissions. To this end, the grid operators look at both existing and new installations.

Adjustments to the regional power grid

The grid operators take (technical) measures to create more space on the power grid. For example, four important high-voltage stations in the region are being reinforced as quickly as possible. TenneT, Stedin and Liander are also investigating the possibility of temporarily using the existing power grid more heavily. This creates more space until the power grid is expanded. The research also explicitly looks at the risks of using the power grid more heavily. A ‘temporary switching mode’ is being built in Utrecht so that the power grid can handle longer peaks.

Encouraging flexibility in companies

It will become financially more attractive for companies (large consumers) to shift their electricity consumption (partly) outside peak hours. In addition, it will be possible for large consumers to conclude contracts with a maximum of 50% discount on grid rates if they use less or no electricity during peak hours. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has taken various (draft) decisions for this purpose. These measures create more room for companies that want a new or heavier connection, more sustainable homes and housing construction.

Use charging stations and heat pumps smarter

The government and grid operators are taking measures so that the sustainability of homes can continue as much as possible. Smart solutions can also help to reduce peaks on the low-voltage grid, for example between 4 and 9 p.m. For example, some of the public charging stations can adjust the charging speed to the available space on the power grid and batteries from electric cars can be used for temporary storage. This way, more charging stations can be connected. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), together with grid operators and market parties, is investigating the option of having more public charging stations switch back if necessary during peak times. An exception option must always remain for owners of electric cars to always be able to charge when immediately necessary. A decision on this is expected next month.

A hybrid heat pump works together with a central heating boiler and can save an average of about 60% of the gas consumption when heating the home. Choosing a hybrid heat pump instead of a fully electric heat pump can help to reduce the pressure on the power grid, because it uses less power.

The government, grid operators and trade association Techniek Nederland are also working on a protocol to efficiently set up heat pumps in large-scale renovations and new construction projects so that they do not all use a lot of electricity at the same time. Enforcement of the ban on the electric central heating boiler, not to be confused with the fully electric heat pump, as main heating will also be tightened. These are relatively inefficient and use a lot of power.