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.
When do you notice this?
You’ll notice this, for example, when applying for a new electricity connection for a home or when businesses want to connect to the power grid.
Enexis is working hard to expand the power grid. That’s a massive undertaking that will take years. That’s why we all need to use electricity more wisely.
Why is it so crowded?
We’re using more and more electricity. Think of electric cars, heat pumps, and solar panels. There are also more people living and working in the Netherlands than before. And we’re switching from natural gas to electricity. This transition is necessary for a more sustainable and healthier living environment. But it also puts pressure on the power grid.
We also often use electricity at the same time, for example in the evening. The power grid isn’t keeping up with this growth everywhere at the same pace.
What's Happening in Heerlen: The Network Congestion Action Plan
In the 2026–2030 coalition agreement, the municipality agreed to develop an Action Plan for Grid Congestion. The goal: to prevent Heerlen from grinding to a halt because the power grid is overloaded. Our Action Plan includes initiatives such as energy hubs and storage, neighborhood batteries, and the local energy company BronsGroen, which the municipality is setting up in collaboration with the Heerlen Duurzaam Cooperative.
What does this mean for you?
Are you a resident?
For most households, nothing is changing at this time. If your current connection is sufficient, there are no restrictions in place yet. Want to save electricity? Check out the tips on the Nieuwe Energie website.
Do you have a housing or educational project scheduled for completion no later than 2036?
Municipalities have recently been allowed to submit applications for power capacity for these projects earlier, even if the plans are not yet fully finalized. This is known as the national "Early Application" procedure. You can read more about it in the news article.