Prevent power outages

Reduce strain on the grid between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM

The power grid in Gelderland, like in other parts of the Netherlands, is overloaded. Grid operators are warning of possible outages this summer and a halt to new housing construction if we don’t take action now. You can help by planning your energy use wisely.

The cause is simple: collectively, we’re demanding more and more power for heat pumps, air conditioners, and electric vehicles. At the same time, the supply of solar and wind energy is inconsistent. While the grid is being expanded, full capacity won’t be available until around 2030. Until then, your help is crucial, especially during the evening peak in power demand.

What can you do?

The government, grid operators, and major consumers are working hard to resolve grid congestion. But we can all contribute. The most important step is to save energy, which reduces the amount of power that needs to be transported across the grid. It’s also wise to be mindful of when you use electricity. This helps ease pressure on the grid and prevents unnecessary CO₂ emissions.

It’s best to use electricity when green energy production is high—when the sun is shining or the wind is strong. The more green energy used directly, the less needs to be stored, saving space and materials.

Right now, most people use little power during the day or at night, when green energy production is higher. Instead, they consume more in the morning and evening. Since everyone uses power at the same time, the grid becomes overloaded, often requiring additional power generated from natural gas. This reduces the share of green energy in the mix. A simple solution is to shift energy use to daytime or nighttime, when the grid is less busy and less extra power needs to be generated.

These small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Use less energy: The less energy we consume, the less strain on the grid—now and in the future. Proper insulation reduces energy needs, regardless of how your home is heated. Using less power is always a good idea.
• Use power during off-peak hours: Grid operators note that the grid is less congested at night (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) and during the day (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). It’s smart to run appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during these times. If possible, avoid using them during the evening peak. In practice, this isn’t always feasible if you’re not home during the day, so do what works within your schedule. Be especially mindful with electric vehicles or heat pumps, as these consume a lot of power.
• Replace energy-guzzling appliances: Some households still have old appliances that consume excessive power, such as outdated freezers, underfloor heating pumps, or electric boilers. These devices draw power without you noticing. Consider replacing them with more efficient models.
• Monitor your energy use: An energy consumption manager can help track your usage throughout the day and identify peak times, making it easier to spot energy hogs.
• Charge smartly: Plug in your electric vehicle during the day or at night. Many people charge their cars in the evening, creating a peak demand. A smart charging station or app lets you schedule charging for off-peak hours or at lower power levels while ensuring your vehicle is fully charged when you need it. Set charging times between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM or between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
• Optimize your heat pump: If you have a hybrid or all-electric heat pump, use it wisely. Heat pumps consume electricity instead of gas to heat your home and water. Lowering your indoor temperature slightly reduces power demand. Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations, as reheating a cold home consumes a lot of energy. If you have a hot water storage tank, heat the water during the day (between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM).
• Use your own solar power directly: If you have solar panels, consume the energy they generate directly in your home during peak production hours—typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You can schedule appliances like washing machines or dishwashers to run during these times. Some models have built-in timers for this purpose.

Together, we keep Gelderland powered

By making small adjustments to your routine, you can help stabilize the power grid. This prevents outages and ensures that construction in our province can continue.

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