Alternative Transport Rights (ATR) are contract models in which the grid operator grants the user full transport capacity for most of the time. During the remaining time, transport capacity is either restricted according to a pre-agreed schedule (TBTR) or can be restricted on request up to one day in advance (TDTR).
These new contract forms help reduce grid congestion and allow companies to obtain a (larger) connection more quickly. Participating companies must be able to operate flexibly with their electricity consumption (or generation). In return for this flexibility, a discount on connection fees is offered.
ATR85 refers to two contract variants in which the user has access to full transport capacity for at least 85% of the time and must be flexible during the remaining 15%. TDTR85 and TBTR85 are specific implementations of this concept.
TDTR85 (Time-Dependent Transport Right 85) gives the user the right to transport capacity for at least 85% of the time. During the remaining 15%, the grid operator may impose restrictions, for example in anticipation of congestion situations. These restrictions are communicated at least one day in advance. In return for this flexibility, a financial compensation is offered, which varies per grid operator. TenneT currently applies a zero tariff for the contracted capacity. For an average user, this results in a discount of approximately 50%, but it can be as high as 65%. This contract is similar in structure to the CBC-A.
TBTR85 (Time-Block Transport Right 85) also grants the user access to transport capacity for at least 85% of the time. For the remaining 15%, the user is restricted during predetermined time blocks. This contract resembles the CBC-T in design.
ATR contracts make it possible to create new connections in areas with limited transport capacity. This allows companies to start or expand operations more quickly, without overloading the electricity grid. TenneT is the first grid operator to offer the TDTR85. Regional grid operators are expected to follow later in 2025 with similar ATR offerings.
