Network Congestion

On this page, you’ll find information about grid congestion. You’ll learn what grid congestion is, what you can do yourself, and what measures the municipality is taking to relieve pressure on the power grid. This is how we work together to create a safe and livable environment, now and in the future.

What is network congestion?

Grid congestion is similar to a traffic jam, but on the power grid. The power grid is getting increasingly congested. Stedin (regional) and TenneT (national) are the power grid operators in our area. 

We are generating more and more renewable energy through solar panels, wind turbines, and large-scale solar farms. At the same time, we are also consuming more and more electricity by charging electric cars, cooking with electric appliances, and heating our homes with heat pumps. This is causing grid congestion.

Congestion occurs when the power grid reaches its maximum capacity. This means that more electricity is being used or generated than the grid can handle. This happens both when electricity is consumed and when it is fed back into the grid.

Negative consequences

Grid congestion means it is no longer possible to use additional electricity and/or feed it back into the grid. Requesting a new or higher-capacity connection may take longer.

What can I do do?

Reduce the load on the power grid

  • Avoid unnecessary electricity use as much as possible during peak hours on the power grid. Generally, these hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For example, turn on the dryer, dishwasher, or washing machine before 4:00 p.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
  • You can also check the Eklok website at to see when is a good time to use electricity.
  • Do you have solar panels? Use the electricity you generate right away while the sun is shining.

Would you like to become more sustainable?

  • Check to see if your connection is large enough for your plans. If in doubt, have a certified electrician take a look at it.
  • Do you have a low-consumption connection (anything less than 3x80 amperes), and is this not enough for your plans? If so, apply to upgrade your connection before July 1, 2026, via Mijnaansluting.nl.

Does your company have a large connection?

Does your business use less electricity at certain times? If so, it might be beneficial to discuss this with Stedin at. This way, you may be able to help free up capacity on the power grid.

What do we do?

Although the power grid is managed by Stedin and Tennet, the municipality Voorne aan Zee is Voorne aan Zee working to reduce grid congestion and mitigate its effects.

Measures in Practice

We are working with Stedin to plan the expansion of the grid

The power grid needs to be upgraded. One in three streets in the Netherlands will be dug up to replace the cables. More electrical substations will also be installed. We realize that this will affect you and your neighborhood. The municipality will ensure that this impact is kept to a minimum.

We are committed to “grid-conscious” (new) construction

We are in discussions with project developers to ensure that the projects consume as little electricity as possible. This will allow more projects to be connected to the grid.

We are exploring the possibility of freeing up additional capacity on the power grid

This can be achieved, for example, by using energy management systems (EMS), battery storage at strategic locations, or by making smart use of public charging stations.