The Dutch government is calling on Dutch people through advertisements in all major newspapers to take shorter showers and to set the heating at home to a maximum of 19 degrees. The thermostat is also set 2 degrees cooler in government buildings, it seems.
Following the war in Ukraine, energy prices also rose sharply in the Netherlands. In March, inflation in the Netherlands reached a staggering 11.9%, in Belgium it is 8%. Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s office has earmarked funds to limit the impact on poorer households. There will also be grants and cheap loans for people who want to insulate their homes better.
But the government now also offers tips for reducing gas consumption. “We have to turn on this button together,” says an advertisement in major Dutch newspapers. “These measures reduce your energy bill, reduce our dependence on Russian gas and are better for our climate.” The government itself is setting a good example and setting the thermostat in public buildings to 2 degrees less.