Next Step Toward a Regional Heating Utility in the Leiden Area

Together with the municipalities of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, and Zoeterwoude, Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), and the network operator Alliander, the municipality of Voorschoten took another step today toward the possible establishment of a regional heating company. This was done by signing the letter of intent titled “Development of a Regional Heating Company.”

Group photo of the eight signatories

With this memorandum of understanding, the signatories have decided to jointly explore the establishment of a regional heating company further. Following the earlier memorandum of understanding between the six municipalities, EBN and Alliander are now also on board. The results of the study are expected before the end of this year.

District Heating Networks

When a home is connected to a district heating network, a natural gas-fired boiler is no longer needed. From that point on, heat enters the home via underground pipes carrying hot water. This water heats the home and the tap water. Cooking is then done using electricity. Heat networks have been in use for years in various neighborhoods in Leiden, Leiderdorp, and Oegstgeest. At present, commercial entities are still responsible for operating them there.

Collective Heating Act

Starting January 1, 2026, under the Collective Heat Act—which has yet to be enacted—new heat networks must be majority publicly owned. This law, which will replace the current Heat Act, is intended to facilitate the development of new heat networks and thereby accelerate the energy transition. A fully publicly owned heat utility can, in fact, prioritize transparency and stable rates. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for so-called energy communities, in which residents, local governments, and small businesses work together to generate, share, and sell energy.

Detailed Framework

By fall, the collaborating parties expect to have a detailed framework in place for the establishment of a regional heating company. This will include, among other things, a general business case, the legal structure, and the timeline for implementing the heating systems in the region. Would you like to learn more? Visit the websitewww.warmteleidseregio.nl.