Peak mode

Since January 2023, a capacity tariff applies in Flanders (Belgium) as part of the electricity grid fees. Its goal is to discourage peak electricity usage and ease the pressure on the electricity grid. It only applies to consumption and not to injection.

The tariff is calculated in the following way:

• Digital meter: measures your power consumption every 15 minutes.

  • Each month, your monthly peak (highest 15 minute average power usage) is recorded.

  • Your average of the 12 monthly peaks determines the capacity tariff (with a minimum of 2.5 kW).

• Analog meter: a fixed charge is applied, based on the minimum 2.5 kW, since real peaks can’t be measured.

• Social tariff users are exempt from the capacity tariff. They pay a single all-in-per-kWh rate.

What does it cost?

It depends on the local grid operator within the Fluvius network.

The 2025 annual fees per kW are between €51.8 and €60.4 per kW per year. The average peak usage for Flemish househoulds is around 3.5 - 4 kW, so most pay between €170 and €240 per year (EV charger not inclueded).

Househoulds with low power usage (below 2.5 kW) still pay the minimum charge for 2.5 kW.

How can you reduce the cost?

Avoid using many power hungry devices at the same time, like:

• Electric vehicle (EV) chargers

• Heat pumps

• Air conditioning units

• Electric boilers or water heaters

• Ovens and induction or electrical hobs

• Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers

What can you do with Peak mode?

With the routine Peak mode, you can control your peak consumption and save money by turning off your most energy-consuming devices automatically. The devices are reactivated automatically when the peak power drops.

You can also receive notifications when your peak power exceeds your maximum capacity threshold, so that you can take action and help you understand the situation that lead to this peak.

Through a connection to the smart/digital meter or with the measuring clamps, Niko Home Control measures your peaks. See https://guide.niko.eu/en/umnhc2/lv/energy-insights for the different options available.

When there is a new peak above the maximum capacity threshold, Niko Home Control will automatically shut off the appliances (e.g. EV charger, heat pump, electrical boiler). You can configure which appliances, and the order in which they are deactivated, in the Niko Home Control programming software or in the Niko Home app. The devices are reactivated automatically when the peak power drops.

The capacity tariff is based on the highest 15 minute average power peak per month. If your peak power goes above your maximum allowed (configured) limit, the Peak mode routine will use this new highest peak value for the remaining of the month as this will be used for your capacity cost calculation for that month.

The routine Peak mode works in perfect symbiosis with the Solar mode routine, as this routine already shifts and spreads the electrical usage of the appliances avoiding a simultaneous activation of all of them.

Which devices can you deactivate with Peak mode?

The following table gives an overview of how electrical assets can be connected to Niko Home Control:

Following table gives an overview of all devices (players) that can be used in the routine:

*Wireless bridge is strictly needed

The EV charger connection has this routine already standard built-in.