How PREdistribuce is preparing Prague for growing electricity consumption

PREdistribuce has published a draft ten-year development plan for its regional distribution system for 2026–2035. The document outlines investments primarily aimed at strengthening capacity in the existing urban grid, which faces growing demands linked to electric mobility, the electrification of heating and the development of data centres. Unlike other distribution system operators, the focus is mainly on intensive modernisation and optimisation of infrastructure in a highly urbanised environment. The plan has also been submitted for public consultation, with comments accepted until 6 April 2026. 

PREdistribuce operates the distribution system in the Czech capital, Prague, where it serves more than 850 thousand connection points. Its specific characteristics are a high load density and the dominant share of underground cable lines. Peak grid load reached approximately 1.1 GW in 2024 and could rise to 1.4–1.6 GW by 2035, mainly due to changes in the structure of consumption.

A key issue is capacity constraints at individual nodes. Some substations, such as Černý Most, have no available capacity left, while others, including Holešovice and Chodov, have relatively high reserves. This points to uneven grid loading, requiring targeted investment in specific locations.

The plan therefore includes a combination of line and substation reinforcement projects. Key investments include new 110 kV cable routes, such as Praha Sever – Holešovice, Řeporyje – Zbraslav – Chodov and Malešice – Černý Most – Praha Východ, alongside extensive expansion and reconstruction of substations in Letňany, Praha Sever, Třeboradice, Pankrác, Smíchov and Zličín. Another important system element is the planned 400/110 kV Praha Sever connection point, which is expected to significantly increase the supply capacity of the entire metropolitan area.

Alongside physical infrastructure, the plan places strong emphasis on grid digitalisation and management. PREdistribuce plans to develop smart transformer substations, remote monitoring and communications infrastructure, enabling more efficient use of existing capacity and better real-time load management.

Compared with the plans of ČEZ Distribuce and EG.D, there is a fundamental difference in the nature of the issues being addressed. While larger distribution system operators are responding mainly to widespread capacity shortages and the development of renewable energy sources across their territories, PREdistribuce is primarily tackling local overloads in a densely built-up environment.