Grid operator Enexis reports that waiting lists for electricity connections continue to grow, even as the company significantly expands grid capacity. The operator, responsible for the electricity networks in the south, east, and north of the Netherlands, shared the update alongside its half‑year financial results.
Over recent months, Enexis invested €1.1 billion in strengthening and expanding the power grid. This is an increase of more than 20 percent compared with last year. This expansion has added new capacity, but the operator stresses that construction alone will not solve the problem. “Building alone is not enough”, Enexis states. “To combat grid congestion, we need to focus much more on flexibility, awareness, and creative solutions”.
New rules
In April, Enexis already warned that parts of the grid were so congested that no additional capacity could be offered in the short term. Pressure increased further on July 1, when new national regulations took effect. Grid operators are no longer required to reserve capacity for new homes, small businesses, or charging stations. These connections can now only be made if capacity is available at the moment of application. Enexis says the change is causing significant unrest among households, entrepreneurs, and municipalities, who fear delays or uncertainty in securing essential electricity connections.
Small consumers
Ahead of the new rules, Enexis saw a sharp rise in applications from small consumers. Requests for new or heavier connections doubled in recent months. As a result, the waiting list has grown to 11,128 customer applications.
Contrast with Alliander
Earlier this week, Alliander, the company behind grid operator Liander, reported a slight decrease in its own waiting list for the first time. Thanks to smarter energy‑use solutions, 1,800 companies were connected in the first half of the year. The contrast highlights how regional differences and local grid conditions shape the pace of progress.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
