Energy cooperatives appeal fees for grid access amid strain

Dutch energy cooperatives are pushing back against fees imposed by grid operators for putting projects on waiting lists, saying the charges create financial strain while offering no certainty that the projects will ever gain access to the power grid. ValleiEnergie, supported by industry group Energie Samen, has filed an appeal with the Netherlands Enterprise Court of Appeal (CBb) to contest the practice.

The dispute involves a solar park connection in Ede. The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) recently ruled that grid operator Liander should have conducted a more thorough review before denying ValleiEnergie’s request for transport capacity. However, the regulator also confirmed that charging a fee for a spot on a grid queue is permitted.

Energie Samen opposes this part of the ruling. “These deposits place energy cooperatives under severe financial pressure, without any guarantee they will ever be able to deliver to the grid,” the group said Monday. “Despite the pressing grid congestion in provinces such as Flevoland, Utrecht, and Gelderland, current rules and decisions force citizen initiatives to pay millions for a spot on a hopeless waiting list.”

In ValleiEnergie’s case, the total connection fee was about 91,000 euros, with a required 20 percent deposit of more than 18,000 euros.

The ACM concluded that Liander is required to charge a connection fee but noted there are no regulations specifying when the fee must be collected. The regulator said this allows Liander to request payment in advance, even before the connection is finalized, as long as the conditions are reasonable. ACM found Liander’s requested deposit met that standard.