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The costs for district heating have increased considerably throughout the country. So much so that many people no longer dare to turn on their heating. The increase at energy company Vattenfall is no less than 32 percent. And switch to another supplier? That is not possible, because you are stuck with the supplier who installed the pipes.
On Friday, March 8, there were consultations in the Amsterdam town hall between supplier Vattenfall, the municipality and the housing association to try to solve the problems and to ensure that the negative publicity surrounding district heating stops.
The ACM determines the maximum rate
Every year, the Consumer and Markets Authority (ACM) determines the maximum rate that suppliers can charge. What seems? Many suppliers now appear to be at exactly this maximum. To keep costs for residents under control, a “no more than usual” principle has been agreed in the law, which means that district heating may not be more expensive than another (gas) connection. In that consultation it was also stated that any additional costs for the residents would be borne by the landlord. But housing association Ymere says that it is already doing a lot to ensure that heating costs for tenants are limited. The corporation pays the costs of the renovation and insulation.
Residents are angry
The residents in Amsterdam-Noord have warned from the start about the danger of district heating. Because there is only one supplier, the danger of a monopoly for the heat supplier lurks. The residents wanted firm agreements, so that costs would not be higher than in a comparable house heated by gas. These concerns now appear to be coming true, due to this large increase in costs. The fixed rates have risen so much that the “no more than usual” principle can no longer be fulfilled.
Vattenfall leaves a comment know that they respect the agreements, but are forced to make this rate increase due to higher maintenance costs.
Ymere is also angry
Corporation Ymere is not happy with the increase and wants to do everything possible to ensure that the costs are not passed on to the residents. Energy company Vattenfall seems to be placing the problems mainly on Ymere’s plate, but Ymere believes that Vattenfall can do more to limit costs for residents.
The energy transition
By 2050, all households in the Netherlands must get rid of gas. There are currently 500,000 homes that are heated by district heating. That should be 2.5 million. Price increases like these do not help to persuade residents to participate in a heating network project. David Smeulders, professor of Energy Technology, calls for transparency and cooperation.
If the heat supplier explains honestly and openly how rates are determined, residents will be more inclined to participate. Transparency is essential, the professor believes. All parties must realize that only by working together can the energy transition be a success. The municipalities cannot do it alone, and the suppliers need the housing associations to convince residents to get involved. Only then can the heating networks be a success, according to Smeulders.
2024-03-09 18:17:37
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