Grid Operator Stedin Calls for Cooperation to Reduce Strain on Dutch Electricity Grid During Peak Hours

Grid operator Stedin is urging municipalities, charging station operators, and consumers to refrain from charging electric cars at public charging stations between the hours of 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This request comes as there is excessive pressure on the Dutch electricity grid during these peak hours.

Users are asked to only utilize electricity during peak times if absolutely necessary, as the grid is heavily strained in the afternoon and early evening, as reported by the NOS. The focus of this request is specifically on public charging stations, where agreements between municipalities, charging station operators, and grid operators allow for the possibility of reducing or shutting off power to alleviate the strain. Despite also extending this request to consumers, enforcement of appropriate usage of private charging points proves to be challenging for the involved organizations.

Research by the ElaadNL knowledge center reveals that most electric vehicles are charged using private charging points, with users typically charging their cars after work to be ready for the morning commute. Therefore, it is suggested that charging EVs at night or early in the morning would not pose any inconvenience. The grid operator posits, "By adjusting our behavior, grid operators can increase capacity, enabling connections for companies on waiting lists, as well as new homes and schools."

Stedin conducted tests to assess whether dynamically reducing the charging capacity of stations could alleviate strain on the grid. In a trial at the end of last year in South Holland, the grid operator sought to determine whether 'flexible charging' could positively impact the current challenges faced by the Dutch electricity grid. According to Stedin, disabling a charging station during the evening peak allows for the connection of a new home to the grid.