Netherlands Competition Authority sets TenneT tariffs for 2012

16-12-2011 The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) today announced the tariffs that TenneT will be allowed to charge for its services and electricity transmissions in 2012. TenneT’s tariffs continue to rank among the lowest in Europe. In addition, the security of supply and reliability of the Dutch high-voltage grid is among the best in the world.

The tariffs set by NMa differ from TenneT’s earlier tariff proposal because NMa issued a number of revised decisions after receiving TenneT’s proposal. The financial consequences of these new decisions have been partially incorporated in the tariffs for 2012. This has resulted in the following tariffs:

220 / 380 kV grids
The transmission tariffs for extra high-voltage grids (220 / 380 kV) will go up by 3,8% on average compared to 2011. This increase is related principally to investments in the Dutch high-voltage grid. For example, we have taken into operation a new high-voltage substation at Bleiswijk, and we have increased the transmission capacity in the North of the country by expanding the capacity of the 220 kV connection between Zwolle and Groningen and building a completely new high-voltage substation at Eemshaven-Oudeschip.

110 / 150 kV grids
In 2012 the transmission tariffs for high-voltage grids (110 / 150 kV) will be increased by 0,6% on average. This increase is also related to various investments, including grid upgrades. Among other things, TenneT has constructed a new 110 kV line between Hoogeveen and Beilen.

System services tariff
In 2012 the system services tariff will increase by 3,7% compared to the 2011 tariff, mainly due to an adjustment for inflation in 2012.

Reliable grids

TenneT’s tariffs have been among the lowest in Europe for many years. The Netherlands has a high degree of security of supply and a highly reliable national high-voltage grid. We are expecting tariff increases over the next couple of years due to TenneT’s substantial investments in strengthening the high-voltage grid, promoting market forces and facilitating the integration of renewable energy.
These investments are part of a long-term package that includes the new 380 kV connection currently being constructed across the Randstad conurbation, a new connection from Borssele to Tilburg, and a connection from Eemshaven to the West of the Netherlands. This infrastructure is needed, among other things, to facilitate the realisation of new connections for a large number of planned new power stations and to support the transition to a renewable energy supply. TenneT is also working on regional grid expansions, so that we will be able to connect sustainable initiatives to the grid on time.