What can households and businesses do to reduce their energy use?

You can save energy and invest in sustainability by better insulating your home. Another thing you can do is replace old appliances with new energy-saving models. Other steps you can take include:

• changing the settings on your heating appliance;
• turning down the heat by 1°;
• heating only the rooms you are in;
• taking shorter showers.

More information about ways of reducing your energy use can be found at Milieu Centraal.

As Russia’s war with Ukraine continues, it is uncertain whether Russia will keep supplying gas to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, and if so, at what levels. The Netherlands wants to top up its gas reserves to get through the winter of 2022/2023. This is not easy because the Netherlands and Europe cannot do without gas from Russia yet. This transition will cost a lot of money.

By steadily reducing the amount of gas and energy we use, we will need less and less gas from Russia. And we will have enough energy reserves for the coming winter sooner. Even if Russia stops delivering gas.

No, that’s not possible. At present, the Netherlands and Europe cannot do without Russian gas yet. A certain part of the energy you use will always come from Russian gas.

It makes the Netherlands and Europe less dependent on Russia. Because energy prices are so high, you will also immediately notice the difference in your monthly energy bills. Plus, reducing your energy use is better for the climate.

A large percentage of the electricity we use in the Netherlands comes from gas-fired power plants. In recent years around 50% of our electricity has been generated using gas. If we use less electricity in the Netherlands, we need less gas too.

No, not at present. The government is launching a campaign to raise awareness among households and businesses about energy-saving and sustainable choices.

Almost all district heating suppliers use electricity and gas to supply households and companies. The energy needed for this may come in part from Russian gas.