Politics · Netherlands · 4 hrs ago
New electricity connections paused in 16 Gelderland municipalities
The Dutch government says 16 municipalities in Gelderland will pause most new grid connections from next year because the electricity network has run out of capacity.
New applicants will have to wait until space becomes available, while requests already made for housing projects can still go ahead.
Schools and hospitals can still receive priority approval, as can other applications classed as having social priority.
New housing plans and projects to expand or green businesses may be delayed, raising concerns about development in the region.
The pause is due to last at least until 1 July 2027.
Authorities will assess its effects during 2027 and consider whether new applications can resume.
The decision reflects a wider Dutch grid-capacity problem, with waiting lists for new or larger connections in almost the whole country.
Sixteen municipalities in Gelderland will halt new electricity connections because the regional grid has no available capacity.
New applications must wait until capacity becomes available, with the stop applying at least until 1 July 2027.
Applications given social priority, including those for schools and hospitals, can still be approved.
Housing applications already submitted can proceed, but new homes and plans will have to wait.
Gelderland’s deputy Ans Mol-van de Camp called the measure a bitter blow for the region.
- Who
- Sixteen municipalities in Gelderland; the specific municipalities include Doetinchem, Lochem and Zutphen.
- What
- They will stop accepting new electricity connection applications until capacity becomes available.
- When
- From next year, and at least until 1 July 2027.
- Where
- Gelderland, the Netherlands.
- Why
- The electricity grid is full and has no capacity for new connections.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Grid operators warned that the situation in Flevoland, Gelderland and Utrecht was critical and more serious than expected.
National priority rules for electricity-grid access took effect.
New connection applications in the sixteen municipalities will have to wait for available capacity.
The connection stop is due to remain in place at least until this date.
The measures are due to be assessed to determine whether applications can be accepted again.
- Municipalities affected
- 16
- Province
- Gelderland
- Stop duration
- At least until 1 July 2027
- Exceptions
- Social-priority applications, including schools and hospitals, can be approved
- Already-submitted housing applications
- Capacity is available for them
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What people are saying
Dit is een bittere pil voor de regio
Woningbouw, economische ontwikkeling en verduurzaming vragen om tempo en kunnen zich geen vertraging veroorloven.