CSP - Congestion Service Provider

A Congestion Service Provider (CSP) is a party that offers flexible capacity on behalf of one or more grid users to the grid operator in order to help resolve grid congestion. The CSP plays a central role in the congestion management process.

CSPs register flexible capacity — such as reduced consumption, energy storage, or additional generation —  in GOPACS and offer it (in case of redispatch) on a trading platform. They handle the contractual, technical, and administrative aspects of the process, so that businesses or installations do not have to deal with the complexity of the congestion market themselves.

What does a CSP do?

A Congestion Service Provider:

• Identifies and manages flexible capacity at customer sites or its own locations
• Registers this capacity with the grid operator, possibly via GOPACS
• Offers flexibility on the market (e.g. via a trading platform for redispatch)
• Manages the activation, verification, and settlement of flexibility when it is used
• Receives compensation when flexibility is activated, and may pass this on to the customer

Who is a CSP relevant for?

For companies with flexible capacity — such as industrial consumers, battery operators, or decentralised generators — working with a CSP is often the most accessible way to participate in congestion management. The CSP takes on the technical and market responsibilities, while the customer benefits financially from offering flexibility.

Looking for a CSP? Check the TenneT CSP register here.

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