ACM: system operators must give more priority to measures that allow the grid to be utilized more efficiently
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary

System operators are lagging behind with the implementation of new measures against grid congestion.
As a result, large-scale users are still not sufficiently able to take advantage of new opportunities, and the waiting list for access to the grid keeps on growing.
System operators must submit improvement plans to ACM. ACM will monitor whether system operators comply with the improvement plans.


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                

  
    
            

In the past few years, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) published a broad set of measures for tackling the problem of grid congestion. With these measures, businesses are incentivized to use the grid more efficiently so that more businesses and households can be connected to the grid. ACM sees that system operators are lagging behind with implementing and offering these new measures against grid congestion. As a result, the waiting list for access to the grid keeps on growing. In addition, ACM sees that multiple system operators lack detailed insight in the grid load and utilization of the grids, which is necessary for offering these new, flexible contract types effectively. In order to ensure that system operators clear the backlog, ACM imposes an improvement order on system operators.


ACM realizes that system operators are facing major challenges due to the energy transition, and that they are working hard to expand the existing grids. At the same time, system operators must ensure that the new measures are implemented so that the existing grids will be utilized more efficiently. ACM takes this into account when setting the deadlines that are included in the improvement order.
Improvement plans, and monitoring by ACM


In order to ensure that system operators make clear decisions and carry out the different activities in a more coherent manner, each system operator must submit its own improvement plan to ACM before 6 February 2026. In these improvement plans, system operators put down in writing how and when the measures against grid congestion are implemented, and what measures are taken for providing a detailed overview on grid utilization. In that context, ACM will make management-level arrangements with each system operator, and will monitor the status thereof as well as regularly communicate publicly about this. ACM expects individual system operators to do so as well. ACM finds it important that users are informed in an easy-to-understand manner about the options they have for still gaining access to the grid, despite the grid congestion.

      

    
          
                                          
                                  
                                      See also
                      
    

25-11-2024  ACM publishes overview of measures against grid congestion
            
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                26-11-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                                          
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                Keywords
                  Electricity

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Energy

ACM Urges System Operators to Enhance Grid Efficiency

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has identified that system operators are falling behind in implementing necessary measures to combat grid congestion. This delay has resulted in a growing waiting list for large-scale users seeking access to the grid.

ACM has previously published a comprehensive set of measures aimed at encouraging businesses to utilize the grid more efficiently, thereby allowing more connections for both businesses and households. However, the authority has noted that many system operators lack the detailed insights required to effectively offer new flexible contract types, which is essential for addressing grid congestion.

To tackle these issues, ACM has issued an improvement order requiring each system operator to submit a detailed improvement plan by February 6, 2026. These plans must outline how and when the operators will implement measures against grid congestion and provide a clear overview of grid utilization.

ACM acknowledges the challenges faced by system operators due to the ongoing energy transition and is considering these factors when setting deadlines. The authority will monitor compliance with the improvement plans and expects operators to keep users informed about their options for accessing the grid despite congestion.



ACM Urges System Operators to Enhance Grid Efficiency

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, mandates system operators to prioritize measures for more efficient grid utilization amid growing congestion issues.