Grid congestion sounds like a problem you cannot solve. That is not the case - smart charging is the solution, and it also saves money.
What is grid congestion?
Grid congestion does not mean there is no electricity. It means the grid is too full at certain times of day to transport additional power. It is about transport capacity, not availability. The problem is made worse by the fact that everyone returns home around the same time, plugs in, and the grid peaks.
Smart charging as the solution
Charging outside peak hours is cheaper and greener. During the day there is often more green energy available and prices are lower, but for commuters this is not always practical. At night the grid load is lowest and it is often windier. Our software informs residents when they plug in about the current price and green mix, with a suggestion for the best charging time. The development towards fully automatic control is underway.
Upgrading the connection or smart distribution?
Upgrading increases maximum capacity, but it is not just expensive - grid operators currently have very long waiting times, sometimes several years. In most cases this is not a realistic short-term solution.
Dynamic Load Balancing distributes available power intelligently across active charging points. This allows significantly more charging points on the same connection without causing congestion. In the vast majority of cases, this is the smartest first step.
Further reading: Netbeheer Nederland - grid congestion