Congestion Area

A congestion area is a part of the electricity grid where transport capacity has reached its limit, temporarily or structurally. Demand for transport exceeds what the grid can safely handle locally. These areas are listed on the Capacity Map published by the Dutch grid operators.

Structural congestion area

In general, a congestion area means:

• there is a structural shortage of transport capacity
• grid expansion is required
• new or larger connections cannot (yet) be realised

These areas are visible on the capacity map of Netbeheer Nederland.

Congestion area in congestion management

Within congestion management, the term has a more operational meaning.
A congestion area is then the area:

• from which too much electricity is temporarily fed into the grid, or
• to which too much electricity is temporarily transported

At that moment, a congestion situation occurs.

To keep the grid safe, grid operators deploy flexible capacity via:

• redispatch
• CBC or CSC contracts

This enables targeted, local adjustments—without creating new issues elsewhere on the grid.

What does this mean for you?

Are you located in a congestion area? Then:

• you may face limitations
• but you also gain opportunities to offer flexibility
• and contribute to a more stable grid

A congestion area is not just a constraint. It is also where flexibility creates value.

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