Dutch electricity queue climbs past 15,000 firms
Nearly 15,500 companies and organisations in the Netherlands now wait for power connections as grid congestion continues to spread.
Nearly 15,500 companies and organisations in the Netherlands now wait for power connections as grid congestion continues to spread.
Why it matters: The overstretched grid delays housing developments and business sustainability plans, inflicting an estimated €10 billion to €35 billion in annual economic damage, according to a 2024 Boston Consultancy Group report.
By the numbers:
- The queue expanded by more than 300 applicants in the first half of 2026, reported Netbeheer Nederland (the association of Dutch grid operators).
- Grid managers expect network enlargement will cost €235 billion for items like cables and transformer stations.
- Variable electricity rates planned for 2029 could free up capacity for 700,000 new dwellings, advisory firm Berenschot calculated.
The alternative view: Energy transition professor Jan Rotmans argued intelligent planning could halve expansion spending, citing an Arnhem project where network operator Alliander connects 7,000 homes using a connection three times smaller than usual by flattening peak usage.
What is next: Minister Boekholt-O'Sullivan wants grid-aware building methods to become standard from 2028, the same year Utrecht officials hope to resume connecting applicants following regional connection freezes.
