Apply for your electricity connection by July 1, 2026

Are you planning to install a heat pump, an electric vehicle charging station, or expand your business? If so, apply for a new or higher-capacity electrical connection before July 1, 2026. After that date, applications may be placed on a waiting list by the grid operator Liander.  

Due to high demand on the power grid (grid congestion), wait times may increase. What exactly does this mean? We’ve compiled the most important questions and answers. 

Why are the rules for electrical connections changing?

The power grid in the Netherlands is becoming overloaded in more and more areas. This is known as grid congestion. For this reason, new rules will take effect on July 1 regarding applications for new connections or higher-capacity connections (more power).

In the past, households and small businesses were immediately connected to the grid or had their capacity increased. You may be placed on a waiting list if there is currently no available capacity on the grid. Wait times depend on where you live and how busy the grid is.  

Some applications from safety organizations or emergency care providers are given priority. In addition, organizations that provide for basic needs, such as public transportation and education, are also given priority. Housing construction also falls under the category of basic needs.  

Having the right of way doesn't automatically mean you can merge. You still have to wait until there's room.  

What does this mean for me as a resident?

Are you looking to make your home more sustainable, for example by installing a heat pump, switching to electric cooking, or adding a charging station? If so, you may need more electricity. In that case, you may have to wait for a higher-capacity connection.

Don't need any extra power? Then nothing will change for you.

Tip: You can often do more with your current connection than you think. Ask for advice.  

What does this mean for business owners?

For businesses, this could mean that expansion or sustainability initiatives take longer to implement. You may face delays or uncertainty about when you will receive additional power. This could affect your planning and investments. 

What can I do now?

  • Find out whether an upgrade is really necessary.
  • Apply for a new or higher-capacity connection in a timely manner (before July 1, 2026) via the Liander website at.
  • Consider alternatives, such as:  
    • save energy;
    • smart power usage (during quiet times of the day).

Learn more

Would you like to know what the situation is like where you live?