Slovak Power Distributors Upgrade Grids to Meet Growing Summer Peaks

Slovakia’s two main distribution companies, Východoslovenská distribučná (VSD) and Západoslovenská distribučná (ZSD), say that an increase in tropical days and the proliferation of air‑conditioning units are eroding the historic winter‑focused load pattern (the “V‑curve”). They warn that the emerging summer‑focused “A‑curve” will gradually balance winter and summer loads.

To cope, VSD and ZSD are boosting investments in grid reinforcement, digitalisation and renewal, partly financed by EU infrastructure funds. Ongoing projects such as Danube InGrid Phase 2, ACO and the forthcoming SELENA aim to raise capacity and flexibility, preparing the networks for higher electricity demand from e‑mobility, electrified heating and changing consumption patterns.

The companies also point to decentralised photovoltaic (PV) installations on homes and businesses as a way to offset summer peaks, provided the PV systems are correctly sized and integrated. Over‑sized local generation, however, could increase stress on the distribution system.