Low-income households in Groningen will receive a one-off energy allowance of up to €800 this month to help them cope with the rising energy costs. The municipality of Groningen announced that the allowance will be paid out in November 2023.
Who is eligible for the energy allowance?
The energy allowance is intended to help residents of Groningen who are struggling to pay their energy bills due to the ongoing energy crisis. The allowance is available to households with an income up to 140% of the social assistance level.
Households that are known to belong to the target group will receive the energy allowance automatically before December 1, 2023. Households that do not receive the energy allowance automatically, but do belong to the target group, can apply for it from December 1. The application form is available on the municipality’s website from December 1, 2023 until May 31, 2024.
The energy allowance is part of a broader package of measures that the Dutch government is taking to help households with the rising energy costs. Other measures include a temporary price cap on energy bills and a one-off energy supplement of €1,300 for all households.
The government says it is taking steps to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. It has already announced plans to close all of the country’s coal-fired power plants by 2030.
The energy crisis is having a significant impact on households in Groningen. According to a recent survey by the municipality, one in five households in Groningen is struggling to pay their energy bills. The energy allowance is a welcome relief for many households, and it will help them to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months.
Additional programs offered by municipality of Groningen
In addition to the energy allowance, the municipality is also offering a number of other programs to help residents save energy and reduce their energy bills. These programs include:
– Energy advice: Residents can receive free energy advice from the municipality’s energy advisors. The advisors can help residents identify ways to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their bills.
– Energy-saving measures: The municipality offers various programs that provide financial support for residents who want to make their homes more energy-efficient. These programs include subsidies for insulation, solar panels, and other energy-saving measures.
– Energy cooperatives: Residents can join an energy cooperative and collectively purchase renewable energy at a lower cost than traditional suppliers.
More information about the support programs and energy allowance 2023 can be found on the municipality’s website.