Grid congestion: what is happening in your region?
The grid is full. Your plans do not have to wait.
In more regions a heavier connection is no longer a given. We show what is going on, what you can still do on your current connection, and which SolarFast step fits best.
Sources checked: 25 July 2026
What is grid congestion, briefly?
Grid congestion means that in some places and moments transport demand is higher than the cables can safely handle. Your lights stay on. The issue shows up mainly with new or heavier connections, and with neighbourhood peaks.
Since 1 July 2026, congestion areas use one waiting list for small and large users. Parts of Utrecht even have a temporary connection pause. Exact rules differ by grid operator and area.
Read more in the knowledge base
The facts
Three numbers that show how full the grid is
5
FGU congestion zones
The government and grid operators split Flevoland, Gelderland and Utrecht into five congestion zones, so one bottleneck does not automatically lock the whole region.
250 MW
Projected shortage by 2029
According to Stedin, Utrecht's capacity shortage is set to grow over the coming years to 250 MW by 2029.
1 July 2026
New rules
From that date, congestion areas use one waiting list for small and large users. Parts of Utrecht (area 1a) also have a temporary connection pause.
Sources: Dutch government (5 FGU zones), Stedin (shortage grows to 250 MW by 2029), Stedin / Netbeheer Nederland / Dutch government (1 July 2026). Snapshots.
Check your region (indicative)
Enter your postcode. We send you to the right province page when available, plus the official capacity map. This is not a street-level guarantee.
The national capacity map is a snapshot and mainly an indication for heavier connections. For households the first step is often: see what fits your current connection. For concrete plans, always contact your grid operator.
What still works without an upgrade?
Many homes can add a heat pump, EV charger or battery within the existing connection. That is not a guarantee. It is a solid starting point for concrete advice.
- Heat pump with the right sizing
- Home battery to spread peaks
- EV charger with smart charging
- Solar panels with more self-use
What do you want to do?
Pick your situation. We route you to a SolarFast product or advice step that fits.
I want a heat pump
A heat pump often fits your existing connection. We check your fuse box and peak demand before you apply to the grid operator.
I want a home EV charger
Charge power and timing matter. Sometimes smart charging plus a home battery keeps your peak lower.
I want solar panels or more self-use
Your own power stays valuable. With panels (and a battery where needed) you use more of what you generate, even when feed-in is less attractive.
I want to rely less on the grid
A home battery stores daytime solar for the evening. Not a full off-grid promise, but more control over your own energy.
I run a business and want to grow or electrify
For SMEs a lot depends on your connection size and region. We help you see what fits your current connection, and point you to the grid operator for capacity questions.
I mainly want to know how full my region is
Check our province pages and the official capacity map. For a concrete plan for your home or business, book an advice call.
Status by province
We start with the regions where pressure is most visible right now. Every page lists sources and the date we last checked them.
- Utrecht: Connection pause / waiting list in parts of the province
- Flevoland: Grid pressure and waiting-list rules; check local status
- Gelderland: Grid pressure and waiting-list rules; check local status
The scale
Three numbers on what is still needed
320 MW
Flexible capacity needed
For the coming years through 2033, Stedin expects Utrecht province to need 320 MW of flexible capacity.
160,000
Households equivalent
Stedin equates that 320 MW of flexibility to 160,000 households.
35,000
Pipeline new homes
About 35,000 homes in known projects registered with the grid operator in Utrecht may proceed if construction is planned to start before 1 April 2029, according to the Dutch government.
Sources: Stedin (320 MW flex through 2033 / 160,000 households), Dutch government and energietransitie Utrecht (about 35,000 homes). Snapshots.
Frequently asked questions about grid congestion
Is grid congestion the same as a power outage?
No. With congestion your existing connection usually keeps working. The issue is mainly new or heavier connections and neighbourhood peak load.
Can SolarFast guarantee me grid capacity?
No. Grid capacity is decided by the grid operator. We help you with a plan that fits your current connection, or we make clear when you do need to apply.
Why is the postcode check not a street-level guarantee?
The national capacity map is a snapshot and mainly an indication for heavier connections. Our check routes you to regional context. For exact status always check the capacity map and your grid operator.
Which products does SolarFast offer for this?
Solar panels, home batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps. We do not sell a standalone EMS product and do not claim competitor pilots.
Sources
We rely on primary grid-operator and government sources. No competitor figures, no street-level guarantees.
- Netbeheer Nederland capacity map
- Netbeheer Nederland: process from 1 July 2026
- Dutch government: FGU approach (5 zones, October 2026)
- Stedin: shortage grows to 250 MW by 2029
- Stedin: Utrecht measures (320 MW flex / 160,000 households)
- Energietransitie Utrecht: connection pause and 35,000 homes
- Dutch government: Utrecht / Flevoland / Gelderland connections
- SolarFast knowledge base: grid congestion
Do not wait it out. Check what your home or business needs.
In a free advice call we look at your connection, your plans and what is possible today. Prefer numbers first? Start with a savings check.