Overview of grid
In the Netherlands, the Elektriciteitswet 1998 (Electricity Act 1998) regulates the use and development of the grid. The transmission grid operator for the Netherlands is TenneT TSO. There is no special priority or regulation for renewable energy.
The grid operator is contractually obliged to grant access to the grid in order for plant operators to be able to make use of it.
Connection to the grid
As per contractual agreements, plant operators are entitled to a connection to the grid by the operator of the grid. The grid operator is obliged to enter into such a contract (art. 23 (1) of the Electricity Act 1998). There is no distinction made here between renewable energy plants and non-renewable energy plants and no priority is given to renewable plants as a result.
Use of the grid
Plant operators are contractually entitled to make use of the grid (art. 23 (1) of the Electricity Act 1998). A grid operator cannot refuse to enter such an agreement with the plant operator (art. 24 (1) of the Electricity Act 1998). There is no priority given to electricity from renewable energy.
Grid development
Plant operators may be able to claim that the expansion or development of the grid is necessary in order to guarantee the access to which they are entitled (art. 16 (1c) Electricity Act 1998). However, the grid operator is not obliged to expand the grid. There is no priority given to renewable plants.
Competent authorities
- Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland – Netherlands Enterprise Agency
- TenneT TSO – Dutch transmission grid operator
Number of DSOs
Number of DSOs: 6
Number of legally unbundled DSOs: 6
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric; Distribution System Operator Observatory 2020
Smart Meter Penetration Rate
82.2%
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric
Active electricity suppliers
Total number of active electricity nationwide suppliers: 52
Switching rates for electricity household customers in 2018: not specified for households: external switching activity on the whole electricity retail market in the Netherlands was 18,7 % in 2018
Source: Monitoring Report on the Performance of European Retail Markets in 2018. CEER Report