According to the NL Times, the Netherlands is accelerating its transition toward a sustainable energy future, yet, as the country moves forward, not everyone feels empowered to keep up. According to a recent study commissioned by ANWB and conducted by Blauw Research, nearly half (45%) of Dutch citizens fear that the energy transition will hurt them financially.
This concern extends beyond low-income households: about half of middle-income earners also expect their energy bills to rise. With the national electricity grid under increasing strain, renewable energy sources like wind and solar are now dictating both the rhythm and the cost of electricity. The result? Highly volatile prices and growing grid congestion.
The transition, while essential, remains uneven. Many Dutch citizens are already taking meaningful steps toward sustainability; 64% of households report actions such as improving home insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, or adopting electric vehicles. However, 22% of those who haven’t made any changes cite lack of money as the main barrier. Renters and lower-income households, in particular, often feel excluded from green solutions such as installing solar panels.
The data also shows that one in four homes still carries an energy label of D or lower, highlighting a significant efficiency gap. To help bridge it, the ANWB plans to collaborate with Energie Samen, supporting households in better managing and understanding their energy use. This partnership aims to provide targeted financial aid and local assistance, focusing on practical, community-based solutions through energy cooperatives.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress and innovation. About one-third of households are already producing part of their own energy, mostly through rooftop solar panels. Another 34% adjust their energy consumption to benefit from off-peak rates or dynamic pricing systems. However, one in five Dutch consumers still holds a variable energy contract without realizing it, often resulting in unpredictable and higher bills.
The message is clear: while the Netherlands is making remarkable strides in renewable energy adoption, economic inclusion must remain at the heart of the transition. Sustainability cannot become a privilege; it must be a shared opportunity.
The true measure of success will not be how fast we transition — but how fairly.
— Morena
