What does block power mean?

Block power is a form of flexible grid usage where a company does not have permanent rights to its full connection capacity, but only during agreed-upon time blocks. Within those blocks, the full capacity may be used. Outside those hours, a restriction applies, or even no right to transport.

The idea originates from congestion management and is now being applied by grid operators such as Liander and Enexis . The goal: to distribute the available grid capacity more efficiently among companies with different business profiles.

How do time-block-bound transport rights work?

A block power contract is based on pre-defined time slots during which transport capacity is guaranteed to be available. For the rest of the time, the company may draw limited or no power. The allocation of blocks is based on the local grid profile and the availability of capacity in that area.

• Block hours: time slots during which the company has guaranteed transport rights (e.g., 06:00–14:00 and 22:00–06:00).
• Non-block hours: periods during which consumption is limited or prohibited, depending on the contract type.
• Power limit: the maximum permitted power within the block hours, determined by the grid operator.
• Monitoring: consumption is continuously monitored to check if it stays within the blocks.

Companies with predictable production or charging times — for example, cold storage facilities, logistics hubs, or production companies operating in shifts — can thus align their energy demand with the block hours. Those who plan flexibly benefit from guaranteed capacity without having to wait for grid expansion. A comparison between block power and alternatives like fixed or dynamic you can find here.

Why are grid operators introducing block power?

The electricity grid is overloaded. Especially in areas with a lot of sustainable generation and growing electrification, new connections cannot be realized. Grid operators are therefore looking for ways to better utilize the available capacity. Block power is one of those ways.

• More efficient use of the grid: companies with different usage patterns can share the same connection.
• Faster access: customers do not have to wait for grid reinforcement.
• Manageable congestion: by spreading consumption across time blocks, peak load decreases.
• Incentive for flexibility: companies are rewarded for smart energy use.

According to TenneT time-based transmission rights will remain an important instrument in congestion management in the coming years. It reduces peaks without jeopardizing grid reliability.

What are the conditions of a block power contract?

The conditions vary per grid operator, but broadly, the following agreements apply:

• Contract duration: often 1 to 3 years, with annual evaluation based on local grid congestion.
• Monitoring: real-time measurements at the connection, linked to reports to the grid operator.
• Penalty for exceeding: usage outside the block hours can lead to penalties or termination.
• Technical obligation: connection must be suitable for automatic control or disconnection.

A smart EMS helps to meet these conditions. It monitors the block hours, automatically switches off consumers outside the permitted window, and records data for reporting.

What are the benefits of block power for businesses?

Although block power may seem restrictive at first glance, in practice, it offers new opportunities for growth. It provides businesses with grid access in situations where capacity would otherwise not be available.

• Faster connection: grid access without long waiting times for capacity upgrades.
• Lower costs: discount on transmission tariffs with efficient use of block hours.
• Planning flexibility: businesses can schedule production or charging within fixed blocks.
• Incentive for innovation: control and flexibility become part of business operations.

Learn more about the pros and cons of block power. Logistics and industrial companies with predictable load profiles especially benefit. A smart EMS also makes it easy to keep consumption precisely within the block hours, without manual intervention.

What are the risks and challenges?

The biggest challenge with block power is compliance. Consumption outside block hours leads to fines or disconnection. Additionally, operational processes can suffer from the limited availability of power.

• Penalty risk: exceeding block hours directly costs money.
• Operational limitation: processes must be adapted to the block schedule.
• Dependence on data: without real-time monitoring, compliance is virtually impossible.

These risks are easily managed with technology. A smart EMS predicts peaks, controls assets, and prevents overruns. This makes block power not only feasible but also strategically interesting.

How can I apply for block power?

You can apply for block power through your grid operator. On blokstroom.nl you can find, per grid operator, how to sign up for Block power.

Conclusion: Block power enables growth on a congested grid

Block power is a practical solution for companies looking to expand in congested areas. By distributing transport rights across time blocks, capacity is created on the grid without physical reinforcement. This offers direct benefits for organizations with predictable or flexible consumption. With a smart EMS you can automatically utilize that flexibility and continue to grow — even when the grid is congested.