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When to Use Which Product?

Depending on the time when capacity is needed, several options are available.Here’s how it works: imagine there is congestion somewhere in the electricity grid. To solve this congestion, network operators may want, for example, less electricity production in this part of the grid. The congestion situation is entered into GOPACS, and a market notification is sent to indicate grid congestion.

Options for Congestion Management via GOPACS

Good congestion management is needed to keep the electricity grid stable. This means implementing solutions to relieve the grid. And to use the grid optimally, without compromising safety and reliability. Depending on when the capacity is needed, several options are available.

What Can You Use Your Capacity For?

  • Capacity restriction contract on demand or in a time-bound contract (day -1/day-ahead)
  • Redispatch via voluntary market bidding (same day/intraday)
  • Redispatch via obligation: the bid obligation contract (same day/intraday)
GOPACS producten

Product Names May Vary

The products offered by network operators for congestion management are all based on the contract types in the illustrations.
Product names may vary by network operator.

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Congestiemanagement contracten

Available Products via GOPACS

Frequently Asked Questions about Products

Do you have additional questions? Contact us, check out our comprehensive guide, or visit the FAQ page.

What is congestion management?

Congestion management is the set of measures deployed by network operators to mitigate the effects of congestion and prevent the network from becoming overloaded. Whereas congestion indicates the problem of capacity shortage, congestion management focuses on the practical solutions to deal with these bottlenecks. Congestion management is crucial for a stable, affordable and sustainable energy supply in the Netherlands. It will become increasingly important as power demand and the share of renewables continue to grow. Read more about congestion management here.

What are flex bids?

If the supply of or demand for electricity is greater than the electricity grid in a given region can handle, the grid operator calls on the market to use or generate more or less electricity. The market includes parties such as energy suppliers and aggregators and wholesale customers.

These companies then indicate the price at which they wish to do so, called flex bid (also called congestion bid). If the flex bid is taken, the market participant receives a fee for it.

What are the benefits of participating?

Grid operators increasingly face grid congestion. GOPACS allows participants to easily help resolve congestion situations with their available flexibility. Participating in GOPACS also provides additional earning opportunities with your flexible assets.

The ability of parties in the congestion area and parties outside it is needed. This is because grid operators must maintain balance on the grid at all times. GOPACS thus provides a win-win situation: grid operators can solve congestion situations and participants can generate additional revenue.

I am interested in a capacity reduction contract. How can I arrange it?

For more information and to enter into a capacity reduction contract, please contact your system operator. This contract is negotiated directly between you and your network operator.

Can I have flex bids done by another party?

To be able to submit flex bids through GOPACS, you need an accreditation as a CSP. You can request this through TenneT. You can also have your flex bids handled by a CSP. You don’t then have to be a CSP yourself. They collect demand and supply from their clients and place bids on behalf of their clients. On TenneT’s website you can find a complete overview of all recognized CSPs.

Flexible Capacity Available?

Sign up with GOPACS as a participant.

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