News item | 02-10-2025 | 08:00
The cabinet has sent a decision to the House of Representatives with which the expansion of the power grid can be regarded as ‘compelling social interest’. This saves up to 1.5 years in time saving when the national and regional power grid is expanded. Minister Hermans and Minister Keijzer write this in a letter to the Lower and Upper Chamber.
Minister Hermans (climate and green growth): “Faster expansion of the power grid is crucial. For our economy, the energy transition and the construction of new houses. Society cannot afford lengthy procedures. With this decision we are again taking a step to reduce it considerably.”
Important social importance
Projects to weigh up the power grid with a voltage level from 21kV, such as a regional electricity station, can be classified as a major social importance with this General Administrative Order (AMvB). This will be transferred to the court to the court in the event of objections and appeals against these projects and objectioners must go directly to the Council of State. A judgment period of a maximum of 6 months applies and deferment for the objectioner is not possible (pro forma appeal). As a result, network operators can start construction earlier. This can save up to 1.5 years in procedures.
The decision has previously for consultation. The last step is the advice of the Council of State. The decision can come into effect if the Public Housing Direction Act has been adopted.