ACM urges system operators to expedite replacement of jute wire insulation

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has urged system operators to come up with a plan for the replacement of potentially unsafe jute wire insulation in residences in the operators’ distribution areas.

In July 2019, an electrocution incident took place during home repairs on a meter box. Although this was a single incident, ACM found this so serious that ACM urged system operators to come up with a plan to replace outdated jute wire insulation as soon as possible, and to provide residents with correct information on the risks of home repairs on the meter box. ACM has requested information from and also sat down with the trade association of system operators Netbeheer Nederland as well as with individual system operators. Although the system operators did not find any immediate safety hazards after a detailed assessment, they will remove any unsafe jute wiring where necessary. Over the next few years, ACM will monitor the progress of the system operators’ replacement efforts.

For all information about jute wire insulation, consumers can visit the website of system operators that specifically covers safety: www.energieveilig.nl.