Starting April 1, a new subsidy scheme will open for companies looking to make their energy consumption more flexible. This scheme supports businesses with a contracted transport capacity of at least 100 kW in mitigating grid congestion and optimizing energy usage. Through this subsidy, companies can obtain independent advice and invest in relevant measures.

Why is this subsidy important?

Grid congestion is an increasingly pressing issue: the electricity grid is at capacity, which means that company expansions and new connections are often not feasible. More than 9,400 businesses are on a waiting list for approval, with waiting times of up to five years in some regions. A large part of the Netherlands is affected by grid congestion (source: Beleidskompasformulier Rijksoverheid).

Over the next 10 years, the government will spend more than 100 billion euros on grid expansion, but this does not solve the short-term problems. Businesses themselves can also take measures to help. The more companies that participate in reducing grid congestion, the faster the problem can be resolved. However, not everyone realizes how severe the issue has become, nor is every company aware of its own role. Flexibility in energy usage—such as battery storage or shifting consumption to off-peak hours—can immediately help alleviate the grid.

Why is this important for companies?

Grid congestion not only restricts the availability of electricity but also limits business growth. For entrepreneurs, standing still means falling behind. Companies that make their energy consumption more flexible can create more room to expand. Without adjustments, they risk being unable to upgrade their grid connection, hindering both growth and innovation.

However, many businesses lack sufficient insight into the technical and financial feasibility of flexibility measures. This scheme provides subsidies for both independent advice and the implementation of measures to reduce grid congestion.

How does the subsidy work?

The scheme is available to companies with a contracted transport capacity of at least 100 kW and includes three phases:

1. Flexibility scan
   This scan helps companies gain insight into their energy consumption and identify opportunities for optimization. It focuses on practical improvements, such as adjustments to business processes or behavior changes that can directly contribute to more efficient energy use. The subsidy for this scan is up to €10,000.
2. Feasibility study
   For organizations that want a deeper analysis of costs and benefits related to flexibility measures, the feasibility study provides a comprehensive assessment. It outlines the technical and economic viability of measures such as energy storage systems, demand management, or alternative energy sources. It helps companies determine which measures will be most profitable and effective for their specific situation. A subsidy of up to €125,000 can be requested for this study.
3. Implementation
   If the feasibility study shows that certain measures will be effective, companies can request a subsidy for their actual implementation. This may include investments in battery systems, smart energy management software, or process modifications that contribute to more efficient energy consumption. One key requirement is that the grid operator confirms these measures will indeed help reduce grid congestion.

What does the process look like?

It can be difficult to determine which measures are most suitable. Moreover, calculating feasibility is a challenge: what is the effect of changing current behaviors and processes on energy costs?

That is why companies can have a flexibility scan conducted by independent consultants, such as COMCAM. Together with the company, the consultant submits the subsidy application, and a decision is provided within eight weeks. After approval, the consultant has up to one year to complete the scan.

Note: Companies that sell flexibility solutions, such as battery manufacturers, are not permitted to carry out this scan. It is possible that the scan may show a company is not suitable for flexibility measures, or that the benefits are marginal. This information is still valuable, as it prevents unnecessary investments.

Following the scan, a feasibility study may be requested. This in-depth examination is also performed by an independent consultant and provides concrete insights into the technical and financial feasibility of any proposed adjustments in energy usage. The same eight-week decision period applies, and there is a maximum of one year to deliver the report.

The final stage is actual implementation. If a company wishes to receive a subsidy for this, it must sign a new contract with the grid operator. Only measures that demonstrably contribute to grid-conscious energy usage are eligible.

Which measures are eligible?

Not every solution requires a large investment to optimize energy consumption. Often, companies can achieve significant savings simply by scheduling production or charging activities more thoughtfully, without disrupting operations. Energy management systems also play a crucial role: through automated control and monitoring of machinery and installations, peak energy consumption can be prevented or shifted. This so-called peak shaving—reducing usage during high-demand periods—relieves pressure on the grid and can lower energy costs.

Other measures include battery storage or the use of thermal storage (such as cold storage in cooling processes). This allows companies to store excess energy for use during peak times. A practical and relatively simple example is the use of dynamic fans (for cooling, for instance) that no longer simply operate “full-on” or “off,” but can automatically scale down with the help of frequency converters when less cooling is needed. Optimizing the charging of company vehicles, such as electric forklifts, is another measure that improves energy consumption.

It is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis to determine whether such measures are genuinely profitable and appropriate for each company’s processes. Some suppliers offer high-cost solutions, but those are not guaranteed to provide the best results in every situation. An independent party, such as COMCAM, can assist with the feasibility analysis and create an unbiased advisory report without any commercial interest in selling expensive systems. This way, a business gains a reliable understanding of the costs, benefits, and potential impact on grid load, ensuring the most suitable measures are chosen with confidence.

Limited availability

The scheme will run for two years on a “first come, first served” basis, and applications open on April 1. Once the budget is depleted, the scheme will close. Another round is expected in 2026, but there is currently no guarantee that new funding will become available after 2026.

Insights into possibilities and impact

Companies that face grid congestion or wish to invest in flexibility should act now. A scan or feasibility study quickly clarifies the possibilities and financial impact. Independent consultants like COMCAM provide objective advice without commercial interests.

The urgency is high: grid congestion not only restricts growth but also hampers electrification and sustainability efforts. Companies that organize their energy usage more intelligently avoid limitations and can make the most of available subsidies. Resolving grid congestion will not happen in the short term, but together we can alleviate it.