New rules for allocating electricity capacity: who gets priority?

Grid operators – including Enexis – are working hard to expand the electricity grid, but this takes a lot of time. Meanwhile, demand for electricity in the Netherlands continues to rise. Think of new homes, businesses, charging stations, and heat pumps. At the same time, the grid cannot always keep up with this growth.

That’s why available capacity must be allocated fairly. New national rules for distributing the available space on the grid will come into effect on July 1, 2026. These rules, drawn up by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), ensure that essential organizations can continue to operate. This is called societal prioritization. Some applications will receive priority, such as hospitals, drinking water companies, and fire stations. After that, housing projects, schools, and heat projects will follow.

What changes?

More and more households need a new or heavier connection. Until now, households with a small-consumption connection (up to 3 x 80 amperes) automatically received priority on the grid. From July 1, this will change: the size of the connection will no longer matter, but the purpose of the project will. From that point on, small-consumption applications will also be placed on the waiting list. Will a project relieve pressure on the grid? Is it important for safety? Or does it involve essential services such as housing, education, or public transport? Then the applications will move higher up the waiting list. Once space becomes available on the grid, it will be allocated to the applications at the top of the list. Additionally, from October 2026, municipalities will be able to request grid space for housing projects up to 10 years in advance.

When will non-priority customers get their turn?

If space remains, grid operator Enexis will offer it in 2027 to customers on the waiting list without priority.

• large and small businesses;
• applications for public charging stations.

What happens if all grid space is used up?

If all available space is allocated and no new space becomes available in the meantime, all new applications – both with and without priority – will be placed on the waiting list. Once space becomes available again, Enexis will assist customers in the order of the waiting list.

Regional differences

The available space on the grid varies by region. In some areas, there will be no space available as of July 1, 2026 – not even for priority applications. In other regions, space will still be available. A first overview of the regions facing shortages will be published in April 2026, followed by definitive figures per region in the autumn.

What does this mean for you?

The new rules may affect households, small entrepreneurs, and those searching for housing, as demand for electricity grows and the grid reaches capacity in some areas. Households requiring a heavier connection, for example for an induction cooktop or a charging station, may be placed on a waiting list starting July 1. You will then depend on the available space on the grid.

• If there is enough space, Enexis can process your application.
• If the grid is full, you will be placed on the waiting list.

As a household, you will receive a higher position on the waiting list than non-priority customers, such as large businesses. If you do not need a new or heavier connection, nothing will change for you.

Use electricity wisely

Since expanding the grid takes years, using electricity more efficiently is crucial – especially during peak hours (between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM), when demand is highest. Flexible energy use is becoming increasingly important.

Examples:

• run appliances later (such as washing machines or dryers);
• use smart home energy systems;
• businesses that use electricity outside peak hours.

If enough people adopt these practices, more space will become available on the grid.

Join in: our tips

Some appliances are used at fixed times, such as induction cooktops. Others can often be used at different times. Small adjustments can reduce grid strain and lower the risk of power outages.

These appliances have a major impact:

• Washing machine: Run it when the sun is shining. Most models have a timer, so they can start automatically.
• Dishwasher: Use the timer so it runs when plenty of solar energy is available.
• Electric car: Charge during the day when solar energy is abundant. A smart charging station or app can choose the ideal time.
• Air conditioning and fans: Use them primarily when the sun is shining. Keep windows, doors, and curtains closed to maintain a cool indoor temperature.
• E-bike: Charge it when the sun is out so the battery has enough power for an evening ride.

Conclusion

The new rules ensure that critical societal functions receive priority on the grid. At the same time, others may have to wait longer for a connection. Smart and flexible electricity use is therefore becoming increasingly important for everyone.