Upgrading the Power Grid in Kerkrade
More homes, electric cars, solar panels, and heat pumps are driving a growing demand for electricity. That is why the power grid in Kerkrade will be expanded and reinforced in various locations over the next few years.
We are using more and more electricity. More and more residents have solar panels, drive electric vehicles, or use heat pumps. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other facilities also need more and more electricity.
As a result, the existing power grid is under strain in some areas. We call this grid congestion. At certain times, there isn't enough capacity on the power grid to supply all the electricity that is needed.
To ensure a sufficient and reliable supply of electricity in the future, the power grid needs to be expanded.
New substations and electrical panels
The municipality of Kerkrade is making land available to Enexis at a number of locations. Enexis is responsible for installing new transformer stations. Existing transformer stations at various locations will also be replaced, expanded, or modified.
By 2035, 100 small low-voltage cabinets and 3 medium-voltage cabinets will be installed in Kerkrade. These cabinets are needed to further expand the power grid and meet the growing demand for electricity.
A substation is an important part of the power grid. It ensures that electricity is converted to the correct voltage level. This allows power to be delivered safely and reliably to homes, businesses, and other buildings.
The power grid will be expanded in various locations throughout Kerkrade over the next few years. For each location, we will assess what measures are needed and how the work can be carried out as carefully as possible.
Enexis is responsible for the management and maintenance of the transformer stations and the surrounding land.
Why is this necessary?
The way we use energy is changing. We are increasingly switching to electric solutions—such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar panels. As a result, the demand for capacity on the power grid is increasing.
By expanding and upgrading the power grid, the municipality of Kerkrade and Enexis aim to ensure that:
- the power supply remains reliable;
- New homes and businesses can be connected;
- there remains room for sustainable solutions, such as solar panels and heat pumps;
- the growth of electric vehicles and charging stations can be supported;
- problems with the capacity of the power grid will be prevented as much as possible in the future.
How does this affect you?
The work varies by location. When installing, replacing, or expanding a substation, there may be temporary construction traffic, work in public spaces, or other minor inconveniences.
If work will affect the immediate vicinity, Enexis will inform residents and other affected parties. It will also explain what will happen and when the work will take place.
Working Together Toward the Future
A reliable power grid is important for residents, businesses, and public facilities in Kerkrade. By investing now in expansion and reinforcement, we are preparing for the growing demand for electricity.
For example, the municipality of Kerkrade and Enexis are working together to create an electricity grid that is ready for the future and provides opportunities for further sustainability and electrification in our municipality.