Grid operator Enexis warns of power outage risks this coming winter in several provinces

Grid operator Enexis fears it may have to temporarily shut down parts of the electricity network during cold winter days in areas of Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Noord-Brabant, and Limburg. On very cold days, consumers and businesses use large amounts of electricity simultaneously, for example, to heat their homes. However, some Enexis regions cannot handle the full load on the grid.

Enexis is implementing measures to avoid grid overload. The operator is asking households and businesses in the affected provinces to cut electricity usage during the peak hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on extremely cold days, and to distribute their consumption more evenly across the day.

Enexis is considering whether companies could be obliged, in exchange for compensation, to cut electricity consumption during peak periods. While the operator expects such measures to help manage demand surges, it cannot provide a full guarantee.

If these measures prove insufficient, Enexis may, in extreme cases, temporarily cut power in 22 areas. Both households and businesses would experience outages lasting several hours, depending on when the demand peak subsides. “Regrettably, if the cold weather continues, this could happen on multiple days in a row,” the operator cautioned.

According to Enexis, shutting down parts of the grid is necessary to prevent damage to cables or electricity stations, which could result in prolonged power outages.

Enexis advises people and businesses to prepare for several hours of power outages, for example, by having a flashlight on hand and ensuring emergency systems for essential business operations are in working order.

The province of Noord-Brabant described the pressure on the electricity network as “a major challenge.” Enexis’ announcement underscores this, according to Deputy Bas Maes. “A stable energy network is the backbone of our economy.”

He indicated that “Noord-Brabant’s fuse box” is being expanded. “We are addressing grid congestion by forgoing shareholder profit, allowing Enexis to invest hundreds of millions more,” Maes explained.

To speed up plans, the province has also taken over authority for what Maes calls crucial routes between Eindhoven-Oost, Maarheeze, and Bladel. “This accelerates decision-making,” he said.