Electricity connection waitlist starts in July 2026 due to grid congestion
From July 1, 2026, households and businesses in the Netherlands may face delays for new or upgraded electricity connections due to grid congestion. This affects installations like charging stations, heat pumps, and induction cookers, impacting daily life and sustainability plans.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 1, 2026 |
| Affected Groups | Households, small businesses, large businesses |
| Reason | Network congestion; power grid capacity issues |
| Priority Projects | Energy storage, healthcare, emergency services, housing, education |
| Network Managers | TenneT, Stedin |
| Expected Grid Upgrade | Earliest around 2035 |
| Peak Grid Usage Times | 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–21:00 |
| Advice for Residents/SMEs | Apply for upgrades before July 1, 2026; check existing connection first |
The municipality issuing this article does not manage the electricity grid but plays a role in informing residents and businesses about grid-related developments. Network managers like TenneT and Stedin are responsible for expanding and maintaining the grid infrastructure.
Coffee for reading ☕
Openrijk brings government news together in one place, free and without ads.
But it does need coffee to keep it that way :)
Read the full translated article below
Waiting list for electricity connections starting from July 1, 2026
Starting from July 1, 2026, new applications for additional power or a heavier electricity connection in our region will be placed on a waiting list. This applies to households, small businesses, and large businesses. The reason is network congestion: the power grid becomes too full at certain times.
We are using more and more electricity in the Netherlands and often simultaneously. As a result, there is not always enough space on the power grid for new or heavier connections, for example, for a charging station, induction cooker, or heat pump.
What does this mean for residents and SMEs?
For a charging station, electric cooking, or a heat pump, a heavier connection is sometimes required. Applications will no longer be automatically granted starting from July 1, 2026. A waiting list will apply for this. For large businesses, this already applies. The waiting time depends on the available network capacity at that moment.
- First, check the possibilities on your existing connection. This can be done via this website. This way, you avoid unnecessary costs. Always get good advice about the possibilities from a certified installer.
- Do you still need an upgrade? Then we advise you to apply for this before July 1, 2026. This can be done via this website.
Who gets priority on the waiting list?
The available capacity will be distributed according to national rules (the social prioritization framework) starting from July 1. Three types of projects will receive priority: Projects that create space on the electricity grid, such as energy storage in batteries. Projects that are important for national security, such as healthcare, emergency services, and infrastructure. And then projects that belong to basic services, such as housing, education, and public transport.
What is the role of the municipality?
As a municipality, we are not the manager of the electricity grid. Therefore, we do not have direct influence on the problems and solutions. The network managers are TenneT and Stedin. They expand and strengthen the power grid. This is expected to be ready at the earliest around 2035.
What can you do yourself?
The power grid is particularly busy between 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–21:00. By using less power at these times, you help reduce the pressure on the grid.
More information?
View this page.
