News item | 16-10-2025 | 3:00 PM
Last year, accelerated measures were taken in the Flevopolder, Gelderland and Utrecht to tackle the threat of overloading the power grid. In Gelderland and the Flevopolder, the prospect of a grid connection in 2030 has improved due to stricter calculations, which show that demand is lower than previously thought. And because the regional measures are starting to work. Demand in Utrecht is also lower than previously calculated until 2029, but there the expansion of the grid will take longer than expected and it remains a worrying bottleneck. The measures therefore remain desperately needed, even in the short term.
Minister Hermans, Climate and Green Growth: “Dutch households, companies and organizations are becoming more sustainable at a rapid pace. This is good news for the energy transition and makes the Netherlands less dependent on abroad, but at the same time puts a lot of pressure on the power grid. It is encouraging to see that the effects of our joint efforts with provinces and grid operators are becoming visible. We are not there yet, but this gives confidence that the approach works and motivates us to continue.”
These first calculations show that the regional measures are effective. For example, generators and batteries are used and thermal power stations are kept open longer. The heavier burden on the power grid and complex technical solutions also contribute to this. Extra attention is needed for companies to use the power grid more flexibly through new contracts.
Network expansions in Utrecht are the biggest bottleneck
In the meantime, we are working hard on expanding the power grid. The part of the Dutch power grid in Utrecht, Gelderland and the Flevopolder is unique because it is strongly connected to each other. In the province of Gelderland and the Flevopolder, these grid expansions are scheduled to be completed in 2030. The new calculations show that the overload on the power grid in those provinces will then decrease. This creates space to connect parties from the waiting list locally and step by step. In the province of Utrecht, the expansion of the power grid is taking longer than expected. This means that peaks on the power grid must be absorbed until 2033. The overload will also increase somewhat further between 2029 and 2033. The measures taken in April 2024 are therefore desperately needed.
National measures will also help
In addition to the regional measures, national measures are also being worked on, encouraging households and small businesses to make smarter use of the power grid. With an adjusted grid rate, it becomes cheaper to use electricity outside peak hours (4-9 p.m.). And smart devices can ensure that people at home automatically make use of the quiet (cheaper) moments on the power grid. These measures will start in 2028. In addition, a plan will be developed that will allow more space and flexibility in the existing power grid in the short term.
The Ministry of KGG and grid operators continue to work together on the measures and monitor the effects, so that adjustments can be made quickly if necessary. In addition, the new insights and measures are also applied in other regions where possible.