A Hillegom couple has lost a legal battle against grid operator Liander, meaning they will likely not have a power connection to their newly built home until September 2027. The ruling, delivered on February 20, 2026, underscores the growing strain on the Dutch electricity grid and the challenges faced by homeowners seeking connections.
The couple initiated the legal proceedings after being informed in March 2025 that connecting their home on Zandlaan in Hillegom would take over two years, despite applying for the connection in 2024. Their existing home had already been sold, leaving them reliant on a noisy and polluting emergency generator to have power. They argued for expedited connection, citing the hardship of living without a permanent power supply, particularly with young children. The judge, however, ruled that they could not demand priority access to the grid.
According to the court, many individuals across the Netherlands are facing similar delays in securing electricity connections. The judge noted that the location on Zandlaan is too distant from the existing infrastructure, requiring significant upgrades to the grid before a connection can be established. Liander maintains that these upgrades are necessary to ensure the stability of the network.
The case highlights a broader issue of capacity shortages within the Dutch electricity grid, exacerbated by increasing demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other electrical appliances. Liander, responsible for managing the regional grid, is legally permitted to postpone connections until sufficient capacity is available or the network is reinforced.
The municipalities of Hillegom, Lisse, and Teylingen are collaborating with Liander on a plan to strengthen the electricity grid, including doubling the number of electricity substations in the area. This “neighborhood approach” aims to address local capacity constraints and minimize disruption to residents. The first phase of this project is underway in Vrouwenpolder, with lessons learned to be applied to other neighborhoods. The project, announced on December 22, 2025, will focus on upgrading both low-voltage and medium-voltage networks, as well as expanding substations.
Despite the planned grid reinforcements, the Hillegom couple’s connection remains delayed. Liander is proceeding with upgrades on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, and the couple’s location is not currently prioritized in the schedule. The couple’s lawyer indicated they are considering their options, but no further legal action has been announced. Liander has not commented on the specific timeline for upgrades in the Zandlaan area beyond the September 2027 estimate.
