A capacity-limiting contract. How does it work?

A capacity-limiting contract (CBC) specifies the amount of transmission capacity you are permitted to use at your connection point. The basic principle is that you always retain your existing capacity, but the grid operator may, in some cases, temporarily impose a restriction if the grid becomes congested. The terms can be flexible—for example, on an on-demand basis—or at fixed times; there are many options available.

For an on-call contract, for example, it looks like this:

• No later than one day in advance, the grid operator will indicate whether congestion is expected and how much power cannot be temporarily supplied to or drawn from the connection.
• The restriction never lasts longer than necessary and usually lasts only a few hours a day.
• In return, compensation is provided: both for keeping the capacity available and for the actual restriction.