ACM: Energy hubs can file requests for group transport agreements with their system operators

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) makes it possible for businesses that wish to collaborate in energy hubs to file requests for group transport agreements (GTO) with their system operators. With this new contract type, businesses are able to share transmission capacity with each other. In that way, they are able to coordinate electricity supply and demand at the local level. That offers the group additional opportunities to grow without putting an extra burden on the grid. In addition, a more efficient utilization of the grid can create extra capacity on the grid in areas where capacity is currently inadequate.

Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, adds: “Group transport agreements help businesses make better use of the scarce transmission capacity. As such, they are an important building block for the development of energy hubs as well as for new sustainable initiatives.”

With an amendment to the energy codes, ACM has ensured that system operators are able to offer group transport agreements to large-scale users with connections. From 1 January 2027, system operators are also required to do so. In addition, system operators have, over these past few years, already been able to gain experience with group agreements in pilot projects. That is why ACM expects that system operators will actively offer these new contracts so that businesses can start using them. ACM invites everyone to file reports if businesses run into obstacles in practice. Such real-world experiences can be used in the further development of group transport agreements.

Measures against grid congestion

The creation of group transport agreements is one of the measures that ACM has taken to tackle the problem of grid congestion. An overview of all measures can be found on ACM’s website (in Dutch).