What is the capacity tariff?
Starting 1 January 2023, the Flemish energy regulator (VREG) decided to calculate network tariffs (the amount you pay as a user to grid operator Fluvius) differently. From that point onwards, the net tariff in the Flemish Region has no longer been calculated solely based on total consumption, but also on peak consumption during each month. The idea for the regulator is to encourage all users to spread their electricity consumption as optimally as possible, thereby limiting peaks in consumption.
As a result, users with low monthly measured peak consumption pay a lower net tariff than those with high peak consumption, regardless of the total amount of energy they consume.
On the website of Fluvius (in Dutch), the power grid operator in Flanders, you can find more details about What it is, Why it came into being, How exactly it works,...
On this page (in Dutch), Fluvius explains the terms Quarter Peak, Monthly Peak and Billing Peak using 2 videos. For the calculation of the Average Monthly Peak, one starts from January 2023. That is when the capacity tariff was introduced.
Currently, the capacity tariff only applies to users who have a digital meter installed at their home. For analogue meters, a flat-rate peak consumption tariff is applied.
How can you take the new capacity tariff into account?
Nothing can be changed about the capacity tariff itself, as it is a policy decision that applies to the whole of the Flemish Region.
However, MobilityPlus has been investing in the installation of smart charging stations from the start. Together with a digital meter or measuring device, these smart charging stations allow you to set a maximum peak depending on the other users on your home grid. This means that your charging station will automatically charge slower during times when a high number of other consumers are active on your home network, and charge faster again when overall consumption is low.
If you opt for the lowest possible maximum peak for your charging station, keep in mind that your charging station will suddenly stop charging when other energy users in your home claim priority position. In this instance, an error message may temporarily appear on your charging station.
It's down to you whether you want to set a maximum peak, and if so, what that peak is. This choice is determined by how willing you are to pay a higher capacity tariff in exchange for the convenience of charging faster.
How can I find out my current peak?
You can only view and adjust peak consumption with a digital meter.
Viewing your peak consumption can be done via grid operator Fluvius.
If you want to keep charging at the maximum power from your grid outlet, there is no action required. However, any extra costs incurred on top of the net tariff will not be eligible for reimbursement.
No idea what peak to opt for?
So, you've viewed your peak consumption, but it all seems a bit alien to you... Not sure which value to go for? The table below may help:
| Home grid connection | Minimum capacity |
Recommended capacity |
| 1F (1 x 230V) | 1,4 kW | 4 kW |
| 1F (3 x 230V) | 1,4 kW | 4 kW |
| 3F (3 x 400V + N) | 4,2 kW | 5 kW |
The minimum capacity is the lower limit required to power the charging station sufficiently to charge your vehicle. If less capacity is available due to consumption from other energy users in your home network, your vehicle will be unable to charge. As soon as these other users cease their consumption, your vehicle will start charging again.
The recommended capacity is the ideal power required to make your vehicle charge in optimal fashion.
Hopefully, this guide gives you some insights to make an informed decision. But we must stress that the choice is entirely down to you.
How can I adjust the maximum peak for my home charging station ?
When installing your home charging station, MobilityPlus connects it to your digital meter. In the charging station, we configure the desired maximum peak.
Create a request if you want to adjust this peak afterwards. Also provide us with the desired value in kW. We make this adjustment remotely, no intervention is required.
Was your digital meter installed after the charging station was installed? Then also create a ticket with the desired maximum peak.
Important notes
MobilityPlus is unable to advise you when it comes to choosing your ideal peak consumption. Further, MobilityPlus is not responsible for any impact of your decision. It is a decision you have to make entirely independently, based on the information you can access via the grid operator. MobilityPlus is solely responsible for implementing the desired maximum peak power on your charging station, thereby ensuring that the charging station will not be the cause of any higher-than-desired maximum peak power consumption. MobilityPlus will therefore not be able to offer any advice regarding the peak power of your home electrical setup. Naturally, regardless of charging station usage, an increased peak can still occur due to a change in usage from other consumers within your home network.
Is there also a maximum peak for charging stations at work?
The peak capacity does not apply to on-site charging stations in the same way. With those, you can charge your vehicle at a higher charging speed at any time. We therefore recommend that, whenever possible, anyone commuting by electric vehicle charges it at work.