Overview
- TenneT’s latest calculations show the high‑voltage network is at its limit, with a potential small‑user connection stop as early as this summer and a rising risk of large outages.
- TenneT proposes short‑term steps including accelerating the Utrecht‑Noord substation, reducing peak‑hour demand, and temporarily operating the grid at higher loads despite increased reliability risks.
- Provincial and municipal authorities begin crisis planning and urge the Rijk to enable rapid permits, crisis tools and temporary dispatchable generation, while the minister and a parliamentary majority push for swift action.
- Existing connection contracts remain valid, but requests for new or heavier connections—such as for heat pumps or EV chargers—may be halted if measures fall short.
- Projected impacts are substantial: Utrecht estimates 52,500 planned homes could lack connections under a full stop, SMEs and public charging would stall, and structural capacity additions are not expected before 2033–2035.