The local Gooise energy corporations see their chance now that the municipalities want to get rid of Russian gas and are looking for a new energy supplier. In the radio program NH Throw Saturday explains Miel Janssen, chairman of energy corporation Wattnu from Gooise Meren, how they see this.
This week, the Gooise municipalities announced that they could get rid of the Russian donation earlier than expected. They are currently working to dissolve the contracts with Gazprom and in the meantime are looking for a new energy supplier. “It is a good decision,” says Janssen, “many companies and residents want to get rid of gas from Gazprom.”
The local energy cooperatives help residents in ‘t Gooi to save energy and raise awareness on a voluntary basis and without a profit motive. They also generate energy with solar panels, which they supply to the municipalities, among others.
Basically
During his voluntary work, Janssen speaks to many Gooiers who want to save. “Traditionally, there were three reasons for people to save. That was for the climate, for the wallet and more comfort at home,” explains Janssen. “There is now an emphatically fourth reason and that is Putin. People think it is terrible that he can earn money from us.”
To prevent this in your own household and to become independent like ‘t Gooi, it is especially important to insulate yourself. “With insulation you need less energy and there is a lot to gain in the region. We have a lot of homes here with low labels that consume a lot of gas. That can also be done with behavior and small measures.”
The text continues below these articles.
Nationally, according to Janssen, about 15 percent of our gas comes from Russia. “But we can easily save that from our households.” But progress can also be made in the field of electricity. “Gas from Russia is an important element for generating electricity.” You can also tackle this problem by concluding a contract with a green energy supplier.
Chances
According to Janssen, the current situation is a case of forging the iron when it is hot. For example, 20 percent of the energy that the municipalities purchase, for example for municipal buildings and street lamps, comes from these local energy cooperatives. “This has been the case since January 1 of this year. That is a very good example, but we can certainly increase this if necessary.”
In addition, according to Janssen, this is also an opportunity to take steps in the energy transition. “We don’t care whether you save based on your green ideals or based on the conviction that you do not want to support Putin. As far as I am concerned, this is a positive side of the high prices, to get started quickly.”
Listen back to the entire interview with Miel Janssen via this link†