Installation of Additional Electrical Enclosures
In the coming years, utility operator Enexis will be installing a large number of additional electrical substations in the municipality of Moerdijk. Many streets will also be dug up so that Enexis can install more and thicker power cables. This is necessary to ensure that the power grid continues to function properly. On this page, you can read about what will happen and who to contact if you have any questions.
The power grid in the Netherlands is overloaded. We are all using more and more electricity—for example, to heat and cool our homes. We are also feeding more electricity back into the grid through solar panels. That is why grid operators need to significantly expand their power grids with additional cables and electrical substations (also known as transformer stations, power substations, or MV/LV substations).
What's going to happen?
Across the Netherlands, utility companies are working on the power grid, and this work will certainly continue for the next ten years. Grid operator Enexis is working on the power grid in the municipality of Moerdijk. In nearly every neighborhood, more and thicker power cables are needed, as well as additional utility boxes. Enexis has calculated that the company will have to dig up 1 in every 3 streets, sometimes even extending into front yards. Dozens of new utility boxes will also be installed throughout the municipality.
How will this affect me?
If Enexis begins work in your neighborhood, you will receive a letter from Enexis informing you of this. The letter will explain what will happen and what this means for you. It will also tell you how to contact Enexis for more information.
What is the role of the municipality?
Enexis is responsible for the gas and electricity networks in Moerdijk. Enexis decides on its own how to expand the electricity grid with additional cables and electrical substations, as well as the schedule for these projects. The municipality is working with Enexis to select the best locations for the electrical substations. The municipality is also trying—where possible—to bundle construction activities so that streets need to be dug up as little as possible.
Ultimately, Enexis decides where to install a new electrical substation: this depends primarily on the requirements of the power grid. The municipality cannot prevent the installation. Enexis does not need to apply for an environmental permit for the substations.
Would you like to know more?
Would you like to learn more about Enexis's projects in the coming years? Enexis providesclear explanationsonits website about the full power grid, as well asthe approach and schedule for each neighborhood.
We’ve all started using more electricity. In the future, that usage will increase even more, partly due to the energy transition. We also generate electricity, which is fed into the power grid. That’s why the power grid needs to be expanded and upgraded throughout the Netherlands.
No, that’s not possible just like that. There are all kinds of (technical) requirements and rules that apply to the location. For example, the cable length from an electrical box to a residence may not exceed 250 meters. If the distance is greater, the power supply won’t be strong enough. Furthermore, there is a maximum number of connections allowed per box. If more connections are needed, an additional box will have to be installed in the neighborhood.
Electrical cabinets cannot be installed underground because it is too damp there. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction, an underground cabinet would be much harder to access than one installed above ground.
An electrical substation is 2.06 m high, 1.85 m wide, and 2.52 m long. It is also buried about 70 cm deep in the ground. Space is needed around the cabinet so that technicians can work on it. In total, about 31 m² is required for a single new electrical cabinet. Power cables run from the cabinet into the ground, so space is also needed underground for these cables. You can read more about electrical cabinets onthe Enexis website.
Yes, if there's no other option. Enexis tries to place the boxes so they aren't visible from the houses in the neighborhood. But sometimes there's no other way.
There are all kinds of strict regulations governing these electrical cabinets to ensure they can be safely installed in residential neighborhoods. Frequently asked questions about the cabinets—such as those regarding noise and magnetic fields—can be found onthe Enexis website.
The municipality is working with Enexis to find the best locations for the electrical substations. However, it is often difficult to find a location that meets all the requirements and preferences.
When selecting a location, Enexis and the municipality consider the following factors, among others:
- Are there sewer pipes or other cables and lines in the ground? If so, the location is probably not suitable.
- Is the location next to a road? This is only allowed if there is no other option and the cabinet does not obstruct visibility, so that it is safe for traffic.
- Will the cabinet be installed on or next to a parking space? If so, the municipality will assess whether there will still be enough parking spaces left. In streets where there is already limited parking space (in technical terms: high parking demand), a parking space is generally not a suitable location.
- Is the location in a green space or park? If trees need to be cut down, or if the electrical cabinet would end up beneath the tree canopy or on the tree roots, the location is generally not suitable.Is the cabinet planned for a highly visible location, such as along a busy road, near a plaza or park, or close to an outdoor seating area? Or is the location part of a protected cityscape or near a historic monument? In principle, those locations are also unsuitable.
In addition to these points, other factors may come into play: for example, there may be archaeological regulations at a site, or a developer may have a construction plan. All of these factors are taken into account when evaluating the site, and ultimately the best—or least bad—location is chosen. Ultimately, Enexis decides where a new electrical substation will be built. That depends primarily on the requirements of the power grid. The municipality cannot prevent the installation. Enexis does not need to apply for an environmental permit for the substations.
If you have any questions, please contact Enexis. You can find the phone number and email address on the contact pageof the Enexis website.
Is Enexis planning to carry out work on your street? If so, you’ll receive a letter from Enexis about the work. The letter will also tell you where to go if you have any questions.