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Redispatch

Redispatch is the process by which grid operators ask CSPs to use flexible capacity to resolve a congestion situation that is expected today. Redispatch means shifting electricity production. Today, around 50% of our electricity is generated decentrally from wind and solar. This leads to more frequent congestion situations — temporary, local overloads on the grid. Within congestion management, market participants are incentivised through the electricity market to help resolve these situations via redispatch.

How does redispatch work via GOPACS?

  1. If a congestion situation needs to be resolved today (intraday), grid operators send a market message to registered CSPs via API or email. This message asks for support in resolving the issue.
  2. CSPs with flexible capacity in the congestion area can respond by placing a buy or sell order on one of the connected trading platforms.
  3. CSPs with flexibility outside the congestion area can place a counter-order. The table below shows what is requested in which situation.
  4. The GOPACS algorithm scans all buy and sell orders on the different trading platforms to find the most efficient match.
  5. If a suitable match is found, both the buy and sell order are executed. If no solution is found—due to too few or unsuitable bids—the grid operator will look for alternatives outside of redispatch.
  6. If your order is executed, you are obligated to deliver the agreed flexibility by adjusting your consumption or production up or down as indicated.
Generation Congestion Consumption Congestion
Situation Too much electricity in the congestion area Too little electricity in the congestion area
Consequence More electricity must leave the area than can be safely transported More electricity must enter the area than can be safely transported
Desired action Reduce generation or increase consumption Reduce consumption or increase generation
Inside congestion area Buy orders Sell orders
Outside congestion area Sell orders Buy orders

How can you earn money through redispatch?

You can earn by buying or selling electricity at favorable prices. Both buying and selling parties can deviate from the prevailing intraday market prices. Buy orders are typically lower, and sell orders higher than the standard price. This creates a spread—the difference between bid and ask.

The GOPACS algorithm looks for bid combinations that solve the congestion problem with the smallest possible spread. This spread is paid by the grid operator as the cost of resolving the congestion.

How can you participate in redispatch?

You don’t need a special contract with your grid operator to participate. However, you must be a registered Congestion Service Provider (CSP), or have your flexible capacity managed by one. There is no standby or participation fee—redispatch is pay-per-activation only.

Redispatch is particularly interesting for parties that can control their electricity consumption or production in a flexible way, such as:

  • Cold storage facilities that can temporarily reduce cooling
  • Batteries or energy storage systems
  • Wind and solar farms that can scale production up or down
  • Horticulture businesses with CHP installations

These parties can use their available grid capacity more smartly, earn revenue, and help relieve pressure on the electricity network.

Benefits of redispatch via GOPACS

By using redispatch, the existing electricity grid is used more efficiently. This contributes to:

  • Earning money from unused capacity
  • Preventing congestion situations
  • Enabling faster integration of renewable energy

Redispatch is therefore a key tool for managing grid capacity smarter — today and in the future. Want to participate in redispatch and trade on the congestion market? You can do so via a CSP — or by becoming one yourself. Learn more about the opportunities of redispatch here.

Redispatch FAQ

– General

What exactly is redispatch?+
Redispatch is a form of congestion management in which grid operators ask market parties to temporarily adjust their electricity production or consumption. This happens when a congestion situation arises or is expected at short notice (intraday).
Why is redispatch necessary?+
Due to the growth of renewable generation (such as solar and wind) and increasing electricity consumption, the electricity grid is becoming overloaded in some areas. Redispatch helps temporarily relieve these bottlenecks locally.
What is the difference between redispatch and capacity limitation contracts (CBCs)?+
CBCs are used on the day-ahead market and contractually reserve flexible capacity in advance. Redispatch is used on the same day (intraday) and is more reactive in nature. Both methods use flexibility from the market.
When is redispatch used?+
When the actual situation deviates from the planning and there is a risk of overload today.
What is the difference between redispatch on the day-ahead and intraday market?+
Redispatch is specifically used in the intraday market. On the day-ahead market, grid operators use CBCs. Redispatch is therefore an additional short-term measure.

– Process

How does the redispatch process via GOPACS work?+
The grid operator sends out a market message via GOPACS. CSPs then place buy and sell orders on a trading platform (ETPA or EPEX SPOT). The GOPACS software matches orders that jointly resolve a congestion problem without disrupting grid balance.
How do I know if redispatch is being requested?+
Via email, the GOPACS API, the website (map and text messages), or your CSP. Market messages are always clearly communicated.
How are buy and sell orders matched?+
GOPACS automatically searches for matching orders inside and outside the congestion area that align in volume and price to resolve the issue.
Which trading platforms are used for redispatch?+
GOPACS is connected to ETPA and EPEX SPOT. Orders are submitted and executed through these platforms.
How is grid balance maintained during redispatch?+
Each buy order within the congestion area is paired with an equally sized sell order outside the area, and vice versa. This ensures that overall grid balance is maintained.

– Participation & Conditions

Who can participate in redispatch?+
Any party with controllable capacity and a grid connection. This is often done via a Congestion Service Provider (CSP).
Do I need to be a CSP to participate?+
Not necessarily. You can also participate via an existing CSP. Only CSPs can submit orders on the trading platforms.
Can I participate as an individual large consumer or do I need a CSP?+
If you’re not a CSP, you’ll need to work with one to make your flexibility available for redispatch.
What are the technical requirements?+
You need a measurable connection (via EAN code), timely delivery of measurement data, and the ability to reliably control the flexible capacity.
How do I know if my connection is suitable?+
Contact your grid operator or a CSP. They can help determine if your location and connection are eligible.

– Compensation & Bidding

How do I get paid for participating in redispatch?+
You receive compensation based on the price per MWh of your accepted bid. There are no fixed fees; it’s market-based.
How do I determine the bid price in a buy or sell order?+
You set your own price, depending on your costs and the value of your flexibility. This allows for strategic positioning in the market.
What are the risks or obligations if I submit a bid?+
If your bid is accepted, you are obliged to deliver the agreed flexible capacity. Non-compliance may lead to penalties.
Is participation voluntary or mandatory under a bidding obligation contract?+
Under a bidding obligation contract, you’re required to submit bids when market messages are issued. Without such a contract, participation is voluntary.

– Applications

How does redispatch work within a GDS or MLOEA?+
Basically the same, provided all underlying connections are managed by one CSP and one BRP. From Q2 2025, support for multiple CSPs and BRPs will be added.
Can I participate with a battery or other flexible assets?+
Yes. Batteries, CHPs, cooling systems, charging hubs, pumps and other controllable assets are often very suitable.
What happens if my bid is selected but I can’t deliver?+
You may face penalties or be excluded from participation. Only submit bids you can realistically fulfil.
How does redispatch affect my contracts with energy suppliers or BRPs?+
Your CSP or BRP must be aware of the bids. Good coordination is needed so that things work both physically and administratively.

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GOPACS is the congestion management platform of the Dutch grid operators