North Brabant, Limburg, Groningen, South Holland, North Holland and Zeeland called on the government to make hundreds of millions of euros reserved to reduce electricity costs for large industrial clusters available sooner. The measure is planned to start in 2028, while the provinces want it introduced as soon as possible.

The provinces said high grid costs are undermining the competitiveness of major industrial areas and their ability to attract investment. They cited lower costs and compensation schemes for industrial companies in Belgium and Germany. The government has earmarked €345 million for the electricity-cost fund in 2028, rising to nearly €500 million annually through 2035.