The energy producers organisation EnergieNed has voiced its support for the partial privatisation of Holland’s electricity grids which are currently 100% state-owned, reports today’s Financieele Dagblad.

In an interview with the paper, chairman Hans Alders says it is possible for the government to maintain its control over the networks even if it sells off a minority stake.
Alders says the government’s control of the grids can be safeguarded in various ways such as the introduction of a veto right on specific decisions. And he points out that the grids need more investment in the coming years.
Several major pension funds say they are interested in taking a stake in energy grids, reports the FD.
The comments follow last week’s recommendation from the energy council which proposed selling off minority stakes in the grids to institutional Dutch investors to raise money for an energy and climate fund. This could generate ‘billions of euros’ which could be used to finance projects to stimulate the Dutch economy.
None of the grids in neighbouring countries are 100% government owned.