Growth in grid waiting list slows, but queue remains
Almost 15,500 businesses and organisations are still waiting for capacity, figures for the first half of the year show.
The waiting list for businesses and organisations seeking to use more electricity grew less rapidly in the first half of 2026. Yet almost 15,500 applications remain open, and the number waiting rose by more than 300 overall. Flexible contracts are freeing up capacity in some regions, but do not resolve the shortage nationwide.
The figures come from Netbeheer Nederland and cover the first six months of 2026. They concern businesses and organisations that need a new connection, a higher-capacity connection or more transport capacity. Without that capacity, investments, housebuilding, charging facilities and sustainability projects may be delayed.
According to the grid operators, growth is slowing because they are trying to make better use of the existing grid. For example, businesses can agree to use less electricity at peak times. In return, they may gain earlier access to capacity or receive compensation. Grid operators can also indicate in advance when less capacity will temporarily be available.
The approach is not having the same effect across the country. In some regions the number waiting fell, while pressure increased in others. Utrecht remains an example of an area where new or higher-capacity connections are difficult to deliver. The grid operators expect regional differences to remain significant for the time being.
The waiting list for parties seeking to feed electricity into the grid also fell in some categories. These include solar and wind projects, for example. A slight decline was also visible among the largest users and producers, although according to reports this was partly due to the removal of applications that were no longer considered viable.
Grid operators are therefore continuing to invest in cables, substations and high-voltage connections. They point out that medium-voltage substations in particular cannot be built quickly because of space constraints, permit procedures and a shortage of technical staff. Expansion also only provides additional capacity after several years, while businesses have to make decisions now.
From 1 October, local authorities and project developers will be able to apply earlier for capacity for housebuilding and education. This provides earlier insight into the feasibility of projects, but is no guarantee of a connection. The key point of the new picture is therefore twofold: more flexible use prevents the waiting list from growing at the same rate everywhere, but structural grid congestion remains.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The waiting list for electricity consumption continued to grow in the first half of 2026.
- Growth is slowing and some regional or specific waiting lists are falling.
- Flexible contracts can temporarily free up capacity.
- The government and grid operators allocate scarce capacity according to social priorities.
Left
Arguments Scarce grid capacity should go first to housing, healthcare, public transport and sustainability. Businesses should not automatically receive priority because they have greater financial power.
Values Equal access, public services and a rapid climate transition.
Consequences Giving greater social priority may accelerate housebuilding and emissions reductions, but may slow commercial investment and industrial growth.
Centre
Arguments Both grid expansion and smarter use are needed. Prioritisation must remain transparent, and flexible contracts should only be used when security of supply and business continuity are clearly safeguarded.
Values Reliability, practicality and a balance between public and economic interests.
Consequences A combination of measures can ease the pressure, but requires years of investment and clear regional choices.
Right
Arguments Grid congestion has partly arisen from slow permitting, limited construction capacity and unclear government decisions. Faster construction and more room for market participants matter more than continually adding new priority categories.
Values Economic growth, property rights and a smaller role for government.
Consequences Building faster may help businesses sooner, but without a social ranking, essential services and housebuilding may end up at the back of the queue.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The figures and policy measures were checked against NOS, Netbeheer Nederland and the Dutch government. The text distinguishes between nationwide trends and regional exceptions.
- confirmed Almost 15,500 businesses and organisations are on the waiting list, and the number rose by more than 300 in the first half of the year. — NOS cites new Netbeheer Nederland figures for the first half of 2026. source
- confirmed Flexible contracts can create capacity at peak times. — Netbeheer Nederland describes flexible transport rights and the release of capacity. source
- confirmed From 1 October, local authorities will be able to apply earlier for capacity for housebuilding and education. — This is stated in government information about the new approach to grid congestion. source
- confirmed Utrecht remains an area with major connection problems. — NOS describes the connection freeze and continuing pressure in Utrecht. source
Editor's note
The easing of growth, the total of almost 15,500 waiting applicants and the increase of more than 300 concern the first half of 2026. The figures are snapshots; regional developments and the precise effects of flexible contracts vary.Sources
- Wachtlijst stroomnet weer langer, maar netbeheerders zien ook lichtpuntjes — NOS
- Stand van de Uitvoering — Netbeheer Nederland
- Maatregelen tegen vol elektriciteitsnet — Rijksoverheid
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „stroomnet netcongestie”
- NOS — „stroomnet netcongestie”
- Het Parool — „stroomnet netcongestie”