Grid Congestion: How Do We Ensure a Sufficient Power Supply in Heerlen?
The power grid in the Netherlands is at capacity. This is called grid congestion. We’re feeling the effects of this in Heerlen as well. To ensure that our city can continue to build, provide housing, and grow, we as a municipality have developed an action plan. You’ll notice this most when you apply for a new electricity connection or need more power. But you can also help us by using electricity more wisely.
What is network congestion, and how does it occur?
Think of the power grid as a highway. Only a certain amount of electricity can flow through the cables at any one time. If the demand for electricity exceeds the capacity of the cables, “traffic jams” occur on the power grid.
Why is the power grid so overloaded right now?
- We're using more electricity. More and more people have electric cars, heat pumps, or solar panels.
- The transition to clean energy. We’re switching from natural gas to electricity on a massive scale. That’s good for the environment and our health, but it places a huge strain on the grid.
- Peak times. We often use a lot of electricity at the same time, especially in the evening.
- More residents. More people live and work in the Netherlands than in the past.
How does this affect you?
Nothing will change for your current home. Your appliances, lighting, and heating will continue to work just as you're used to. However, you may be affected if you:
- Request a new or higher-capacity electrical connection (for example, for a new home or construction project)
- A company has expanded or plans to expand and needs more electricity.
What is the municipality of Heerlen doing?
Utility operator Enexis is working hard to expand the power grid. That’s a massive undertaking that will take years. We can’t wait that long. That’s why the municipality has stated in the 2026–2030 coalition agreement that it will ensure Heerlen doesn’t come to a standstill. Among other things, we are focusing on:
- Energy hubs & neighborhood batteries. Smart places to store and distribute electricity locally.
- Our local energy company, BronsGroen. We’re setting it up together with the Heerlen Duurzaam Cooperative to manage energy locally and intelligently.
- Apply Earlier for New Construction. Heerlen is adopting the national “Apply Earlier” approach. This allows housing and educational projects to apply for electricity capacity sooner.
How can you, as a resident, help?
Expanding the grid takes time. So we all need to use electricity more wisely. By spreading out your electricity use (for example, by not running the washing machine or electric car all at once during the evening peak), we can help prevent grid congestion.
Would you like to save electricity or use it more wisely? Discover helpful tips for your home and find out how to lower your energy bill on the Nieuwe Energie website at .