Tools / Regulatory tracker / Priority rules for grid capacity in congestion areas
Regulatory tracker · Netherlands · Grid and power
Priority rules for grid capacity in congestion areas
ACM's code decision lets grid operators give scarce capacity to priority projects first. Data centres are not a priority category.
In force ACM code decision of 12 December 2025, published in the Staatscourant; grid operators apply it in congestion areas from 1 January 2026.
What it does
The rule in brief
Where the grid is congested, network operators may allocate transport capacity first to projects in three priority categories: congestion relievers (the highest), safety (such as acute care, defence and water management) and basic needs (such as housing, education, telecoms and public transport). Applicants must show that they qualify. Other requests, data centres included, are not prioritised. The decision replaces an earlier one that the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb) annulled in March 2025.
Timeline
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 12 December 2025 | ACM code decision published |
| 1 January 2026 | Applies in congestion areas |
Primary sources
Read it at source
- ACM: Codebesluit prioriteringsruimte transportverzoeken 2025 (12 Dec 2025) Regulator
- Staatscourant 2025, 42323 (the code decision as published) Official Journal
Cite as: InfraCompute regulatory tracker, “Priority rules for grid capacity in congestion areas”, checked 27 October 2026, https://www.infracompute.co.uk/tools/regulatory-tracker/nl-acm-grid-prioritisation.
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Method
Each entry is written from the official text and the government, regulator or legislature pages listed above, never from secondary commentary. This entry is checked by hand at each content review. Status and dates can change after the review date, so check the source before relying on it. General information drawn from public filings. It is not legal advice on any transaction, and using this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Views are personal.
