News item | 23-11-2023 | 07:31
To combat climate change, Dutch homes and buildings must be natural gas-free by 2050. A lot must therefore be done in the coming years to realize approximately 2.6 million additional connections to collective heating systems as an alternative to gas. The bill for the Collective Heat Act (WCW) focuses on the growth and sustainability of these collective heating systems.
Important principles here are to offer citizens as much security as possible, to make collective heating more sustainable and to modernize the design and management of collective heating systems. For example, the law protects consumers against unnecessarily high rates, offers more transparency and ensures that future heating companies will be more than 50% owned by (local) governments. In this way, there is more public control that contributes to the sustainability, affordability and security of supply of heat supply to households and companies.
Minister Rob Jetten: “If we want affordable and sustainable heat for Dutch citizens and companies, we have to get rid of gas. Arranging additional connections to collective heating systems is then an important condition. We can get started with this with the Collective Heat Act: we put consumers first, increase public guidance in the implementation of this transition and thus contribute to affordability, sustainability and security of supply for all households and companies.”
The WCW affects the interests of citizens, companies, local governments and heating companies. Input from these stakeholders was therefore taken into account when drafting the bill, including through various stakeholder meetings, an internet consultation and the opportunity for umbrella organizations to respond to draft proposals.
The bill as presented to the Council of State for advice is public from today. After advice from the Council of State, the bill will be presented to the House of Representatives.