Heerlen Opens the “Early Application” Process for Housing Projects and Educational Facilities
The power grid in the Netherlands is at capacity. This is called grid congestion. As a result, new homes and schools are not always able to get a power connection. The municipality of Heerlen is adopting the new national approach: “Apply Early.” This way, we’re helping projects in Heerlen secure power capacity.
Alderman Casper Gelderblom:
The full power grid affects the entire country, including our city. We’re helping to ensure that promising projects in Heerlen have the best possible chance of securing power capacity. That’s why we’re consolidating all the information in one place and asking project initiators to work with us to ensure that as many promising projects as possible take advantage of the Early Application option. This way, we’re acting carefully, transparently, and in a timely manner—especially now that there’s limited capacity on the power grid. We’re not sitting on our hands, because every home and school in Heerlen counts.
Why “Apply Early”?
The power grid does not have enough capacity for all projects. Municipalities may therefore request social priority (precedence) from the grid operator. This applies to housing construction and schools. We are compiling a list of projects in order of priority and applying clear rules to this process. These rules will be published on August 18 on overheid.nl.
Please note: A spot on our list does not guarantee a power connection. The grid operator ultimately decides whether and when capacity is available.
Why so little time?
The first round has a tight timeline. The national government and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) determined this in consultation with the grid operators. Heerlen has decided to participate. The power grid has limited capacity. Housing and schools are important to our city. That’s why we’re not waiting around.
Submit your project if it:
- In the municipality of Heerlen, there is
- Is it about housing or schools?
- Expected to be completed by 2036 at the latest
- Does not yet have (full) power capacity
How do I submit my project?
Please complete the form no later than Sunday, September 6, 2026. We can only review a complete application on time.
How are projects evaluated?
The assessment criteria align with the national housing development windows. Among other things, we evaluate whether the project is feasible, its contribution to the Nieuw Heerlens Woonfundament, “integration without displacement” in the neighborhood, and how efficiently the project uses the power grid. Separate rules apply to small housing projects of up to 10 homes.
What will happen after September 6?
- September 7 and 8: We will evaluate all the projects and draw up a preliminary list.
- September 16: We will publish the draft list.
- September 17 through 24: Interested parties may comment on the draft list.
- September 25 and 28: We will review the feedback and update the list as needed.
- September 29: Following regional consultation, the Municipal Executive will approve the list.
- Starting October 1: We will submit the applications to the grid operator.