A congestion situation occurs when, at a specific moment, the electricity grid needs to transport more power than is technically safe. There is temporarily insufficient transport capacity, and the grid reaches its local limit.
Electricity transport in the Netherlands is carefully planned—monthly, weekly and daily—based on historical data and contractual agreements. In most cases, these forecasts are accurate. But sometimes reality deviates.
For example:
When generation and consumption differ from the plan, a local bottleneck can occur. More electricity needs to be transported than the grid can safely handle at that location.
That is a congestion situation.
Grid operators actively adjust to keep the grid safe and stable. They do this together with market parties via GOPACS.
Depending on the timing, there are two solutions:
