New rules for allocating transmission capacity: who gets priority?

That is why the available capacity must be distributed fairly. This requires rules to ensure that essential organizations can continue to operate. This is referred to as “social prioritization.” To this end, new national rules for allocating available capacity on the grid will take effect on July 1, 2026. These rules have been drafted by the regulator, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). This means that certain applications will be given priority. Examples include hospitals, drinking water companies, and fire stations. Next in line are housing projects, schools, and heating projects, among others.

What is changing?

More and more households need a new or higher-capacity connection. Until now, households with a low-consumption connection (up to 3 x 80 amps) were automatically given priority on the power grid. Starting July 1, this will change, and it will no longer be the size of the connection that matters, but the purpose of the project. From that point on, applications for low-consumption connections will also be placed on the waiting list. Will a project relieve the grid? Is it important for safety? Or does it involve basic services such as housing, education, or public transportation? If so, those applications will move up the waiting list. As soon as capacity becomes available on the power grid, it will be allocated to the applications at the top of the waiting list. In addition, starting in October 2026, municipalities will be able to request capacity on the power grid up to 10 years in advance for connecting housing projects.

When will non-priority customers be served?

If any capacity remains, the network operator Enexis will offer it in 2027 to customers on the waiting list who do not have priority. 

These include, for example:

• large and small businesses;
• applications for public charging stations.

What happens when there is no more capacity left on the power grid?

Is all available capacity already allocated? And is no new capacity expected to become available in the meantime? In that case, all new requests—whether prioritized or not—will be placed on the waiting list. As soon as capacity becomes available again, Enexis will assist customers in the order of the waiting list.

Regional differences

The available capacity on the power grid varies by region. In some areas, there will be no more capacity available starting July 1, 2026—not even for priority applications. In other regions, capacity is still available. An initial overview of the regions facing capacity constraints will be released in April 2026. The final figures for each region will follow in the fall.

What does this mean for you?

The new rules may affect households, small business owners, and people looking for housing. This is because demand for electricity is growing, and the power grid is reaching capacity in some areas. Households that want a higher-capacity connection—for example, for an induction cooktop or a charging station—may be placed on a waiting list starting July 1. You will then be dependent on the capacity still available on the power grid.

• Is there enough space? If so, Enexis can process your request.
• Is the grid at capacity? If so, you'll be placed on the waiting list.

As a household, you will be placed higher on the waiting list than customers without priority, such as large businesses. If you don’t need a new or higher-capacity connection, nothing will change for you.

Use electricity wisely

Since expanding the power grid takes years, it’s important to use electricity more efficiently. The grid is particularly strained during peak hours (between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.). That’s why flexible energy use is becoming increasingly important.

Examples:

• run appliances later (such as washing machines or dryers)
• use smart energy systems in the home
• businesses that use electricity outside of peak hours

If enough people do this, it will free up more bandwidth.

Join us: our tips

Some appliances simply have to be used at specific times. Take the induction cooktop, for example. Other appliances can often be used at different times. With a few small adjustments, we can reduce the load on the power grid and lower the risk of power outages.

These devices have a significant impact:

• Washing machine: Turn on the washing machine when the sun is out. Most models have a timer, so it will start automatically.
• Dishwasher: Use the dishwasher with a timer. That way, it will run exactly when there is plenty of solar energy available.
• Electric car: Charge your electric car during the day when there is plenty of solar energy. A smart charging station or charging app will choose the ideal time.
• Air conditioning and fans: Use air conditioning or electric fans, especially when the sun is shining. Keep windows, doors, and curtains closed to keep the inside nice and cool.
• Electric bike: Charge your bike when the sun is out. That way, you’ll have enough power in the battery for a nice evening ride.

Conclusion

The new rules ensure that critical social services are given priority on the power grid. At the same time, this means that others may sometimes have to wait longer for a connection. Smart and flexible use of electricity is therefore becoming increasingly important for everyone.