Electricity grids across Europe are under serious pressure. In the Netherlands — and increasingly in other EU countries — the grid is at capacity in many areas. Until now, this has mainly been a problem for large commercial connections. Households with a standard connection were automatically given priority. That changes on 1 July 2026.
From that date, grid operators will treat all applications equally — large and small. That means you as a homeowner could end up on a waiting list if you need a heavier connection for a heat pump, EV charger or home battery.
What changes on 1 July 2026?
Until now, grid operators reserved network capacity for small consumers (households). This made practical sense: homes need electricity to function. But the grid is now full in so many places that this approach is no longer sustainable.
Before 1 July 2026:
– Small consumers (standard household connections) receive automatic priority
– Only large commercial connections are on the waiting list
After 1 July 2026:
– One unified waiting list for all connection types
– Grid operators no longer reserve capacity for small consumers
– Priority is determined by a social prioritisation framework set by the regulatory authority
Who does get priority?
The Dutch regulatory authority ACM (Authority for Consumers and Markets) has established a prioritisation framework. Organisations are divided into three categories:
| Priority | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Congestion relievers | Organisations that free up capacity on the grid | Battery storage, flexible consumption |
| 2. Safety | Acute care and emergency services | Police, fire services, hospitals |
| 3. Basic needs | Essential social infrastructure | Housing, education, drinking water |
Private households do not fall into a priority category. That means your application goes to the back of the queue, unless you live in an area without congestion.
Source: Enexis
What does this mean for you?
You want a heavier grid connection
If you want to upgrade your connection — for example to accommodate a heat pump, EV charger or home battery — you may end up on a waiting list. This only applies in congestion areas.
You are buying or building a new home
Housing projects in congestion areas can face delays. A grid connection is no longer a given, even for new builds.
You already have a standard connection
Nothing changes for you. Your existing connection continues to work as normal. The new rules only apply to new applications or connection upgrades.
Transition period: 1 July 2026 – 1 January 2027
| Period | What applies |
|---|---|
| Until 1 July 2026 | Current system: small consumers receive automatic priority |
| 1 July – 31 December 2026 | Newly available capacity goes to priority projects first |
| From 1 January 2027 | New system fully in force |
Where is grid congestion a problem?
Grid congestion is not equally severe everywhere. The most affected areas in the Netherlands are currently:
- Northern Netherlands (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe)
- Flevoland
- Parts of Noord-Brabant and Gelderland
- North Holland North
Check the congestion map of your grid operator to see whether your area is flagged. Similar congestion problems are emerging across Europe, particularly in regions with high concentrations of solar generation or industrial electrification.
What can you do now?
1. Submit your application before 1 July. If you have concrete plans for a heavier connection, apply now. Applications submitted before the deadline still fall under the current system.
2. Consider a home battery. A home battery can help you get more out of your solar panels without needing to upgrade your connection at all.
3. Use smarter energy management. A Home Energy Management System (HEMS) can spread your consumption across the day, keeping you within the capacity of your existing connection.
4. Check your grid operator. Look at your grid operator’s website to see whether your street or neighbourhood is in a congestion area.
Frequently asked questions
Will I no longer be able to install a heat pump?
It depends on your area. In areas without grid congestion, nothing changes. In congestion areas, an upgraded connection may go on the waiting list. A hybrid heat pump often does not require a heavier connection.
How long is the wait?
It varies by grid operator and area. In some areas, wait times of 1 to 5 years are already reality for large commercial connections.
Does this affect my EV charger?
A charger on your existing connection is not a problem. But if you need a heavier connection to support it, the new rules apply.
What if I am moving into a new-build property?
New-build developments are assessed by the grid operator. Housing falls under the “basic needs” category and receives some priority — but delays are still possible in heavily congested areas.
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