Grid connection permit process - Heat

Heat Act

For heat plants:
The connection process for (renewable) heat plants goes as follows:

• The plant operator applies to the grid operator and the supplier (often the same party);
• The grid operator and the supplier are legally obliged to provide all necessary information about supply, capacity, tariffs, etc. to the plant operator;
• The grid operator and the supplier are legally obliged to start negotiations within two month after application;
• If the plant owner, supplier and grid operator come to an agreement, the plant will then be connected to the grid with the period agreed upon by the negotiating parties.

For customers:

• Customers can only connect to a heat grid if a heat grid is available;
• Connection to a heat gris is not a ‘right’ and can be refused by the heat grid operator or heat supplier; 
• If offered a customer is free to reject;
• Fees are restricted by legal ceilings.
• However:
• By 2050 all gas heating systems must have been replaced. This can either be done by a connection to a heat grid or by replacing the gas heating system by a heat pump or other sustainable solution.

In case of disagreement regarding the connection of a power plant to an existing heat grid, the case will be treated by the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal.