ACM: Energy transition under pressure, more flexibility is needed from all stakeholders

The energy transition is under pressure. Agility, flexibility, and diversification of the energy system are necessary in order for the energy transition to succeed. That is the conclusion of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) in the second edition of its annual publication Focus on Energy (in Dutch: Focus op Energie).

Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, explains: "The overloaded grid, the slow roll-out of heat networks, and geopolitical uncertainty put pressure on the energy transition. In order for the energy transition to succeed, flexibility from system operators, businesses, households, the government, as well as from us as regulator is needed."

In its regulation, ACM is adapting to the changing energy market. For example, households and businesses are stimulated to use the grid more efficiently by being flexible in their consumption and feed-in of electricity. That is why ACM in 2026 will set a new grid tariff structure, where the tariff is based on the time of the day. On the other hand, system operators must get a better overview of the utilization of their grids, so that they are able to offer flexible contracts.

Affordability

ACM is working on a new regulatory method for system operators, which offers more scope for necessary investments, while ACM is given more scope for assessing in advance the necessity of investments. In addition, ACM is conducting a study into a feed-in tariff for energy producers. The goal thereof is to increase system efficiency, and to distribute costs fairly among all grid users, so that foreign buyers and those that feed in electricity, too, pay for the Dutch infrastructure.

Security of supply of natural gas

ACM conducts oversight over the security of supply of natural gas, and each month publishes a Monitor on wholesale prices and the security of supply of natural gas. The filling rate of the Dutch natural-gas storages is currently at around 20 percent, which, historically speaking, is low. Following the loss of Russian natural gas, the Netherlands is highly dependent on the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), 75 percent of which comes from the United States. ACM keeps a close watch on price trends, the filling rate of natural-gas storages, and the supply of LNG. This year, ACM will also take a decision regarding the planned closure of natural-gas storage Norg.

Security of supply of electricity

Security-of-supply analyses show that the security of supply of electricity may come under pressure after 2030, especially during longer periods without sunlight and wind. That is why ACM in 2026 will publish recommendations regarding the introduction of a capacity mechanism. A capacity mechanism seeks to ensure that sufficient adjustable capacity remains available to guarantee the electricity supply, even during long periods without sunlight or wind.

Consumer protection

ACM also wishes to ensure that consumers are able to take advantage of the opportunities of the energy transition. Many consumers find it complicated to take out an energy contract, in part because of new products such as dynamic contracts, feed-in costs, the phasing-out of the net metering scheme, and energy-sharing. ACM will conduct a market study in 2026 in order to assess how comparability can be improved.

Telemarketing practices involving energy contracts and energy-related products such as home batteries remain a point of concern. ACM sees that some telemarketers take advantage of the complexity of products, and paint too rosy a picture of their own offerings. Energy contracts and thereto-related products are not suitable for being sold over the phone.

Other topics

Other topics that ACM will be focusing on in 2026 include: assessing the investment plans of system operators, creating a valuation method for public-owned heat networks, and conducting an investigation into the financial returns of heat suppliers.

See also

• 13-02-2026 Focus on Energy 2026 (in Dutch. An English translation will be published soon).