Flex-e: Subsidy for flexible electricity consumption

Why this grant exists

Network congestion is becoming a problem in more and more places across the Netherlands. Specifically, this means:

1. No or limited expansion of your connection
2. Long wait times for increased benefits
3. Restrictions on the sale of surplus solar energy
4. Uncertainty in your energy supply

For many companies, this feels like a roadblock—to growth, to electrification, and to plans that were already in place.

The Flex-e program aims to reverse that trend. Instead of waiting for the grid, it encourages smarter self-management.

The difference that is often overlooked

There is one practical distinction in the regulations that is quite significant. And that is precisely where many companies fall short—not because of the technology itself, but because of the process involved.

Less than 100 kW

• A relatively straightforward process
• No complex congestion management contract is required
• Faster to implement
• Less dependent on external parties

Over 100 kW

1. More complex (studies, contracts, coordination)
2. Longer turnaround time
3. More uncertainties

What you need to submit with your application

The application itself is fairly straightforward, though it may seem a bit technical at first. It sounds like a lot of steps, but in practice it’s easy to navigate, provided the plan is sound.

You will need the following, among other things:

• Understanding your current electricity demand
• An explanation of how to build flexibility and what the effect is
• For larger projects (>100 kW): technical design
• De minimis declaration