Enexis Halts Projects Due to Surging Electricity Demand
Vught, Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
Due to rising electricity demand, Dutch utility Enexis has paused ten projects in Vught, highlighting pressures on infrastructure. Notably, this affects housing projects for disabled youth.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The cancellation particularly affects fourteen young people with disabilities who were scheduled to move into their new apartments at Huis voor Vincent in July 2025 [1]. This development, housed in the former Dr. Landmanschool building, now faces indefinite delays due to postponed power connection installations [1].
Broader Infrastructure Challenges
The crisis reflects a nationwide struggle with electrical infrastructure capacity. The Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth has recently called for reduced electricity consumption between 16:00 and 21:00 hours to manage peak demand [4]. This comes as Enexis and other utilities work to upgrade approximately 16,000 kilometers of heavy-duty cables across their service areas [3].
Solutions and Timeline
To address these challenges, Enexis has begun implementing grid reinforcement programs in various municipalities [3]. However, network operator TenneT warns that sufficient capacity for large-scale power users may not be available until 2035 [6]. The current situation has prompted innovative solutions, including the installation of new transformer stations and the strategic placement of power distribution units primarily on the outskirts of towns and neighborhoods [3].
Future Implications
The infrastructure limitations pose significant challenges for the Netherlands’ ongoing sustainability transition. With increasing adoption of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar panels, the pressure on the power grid continues to intensify [3]. A recent study by Enexis and Vattenfall suggests that at least half of EV charging peaks could be shifted to manage grid congestion [2], indicating potential solutions through smart energy management.