News item | 28-04-2025 | 10:31 AM
Today, the renewed campaign of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth about dealing with the crowds on the power grid. The campaign calls on people throughout the Netherlands to use as little electricity as possible between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. During these peak hours, when many people come home, power consumption is generally highest. The power grid is considerably expanded by the network operators, but it also helps if we use less power during the busiest hours. For example, by turning on the washing machine or dishwasher at a different time or posting the charging of an electric car or bicycle, we help together to relieve the power grid.
Why this call?
The power grid runs into more and more places against the borders. That is because we use or produce more power at the same time, for example with solar panels. The network operators are busy expanding the power grid, for example by placing thicker cables in the ground, but that takes time. To prevent malfunctions, it is important that we do not overload the power grid, hence the call to use less power where possible during the busiest moments.
Although most people do not yet notice direct consequences at home, the impact in society is great. If we don’t do anything, the chance of power outages increases, new residential areas can sometimes not be connected, and companies are already on a waiting list for a new or heavier power connection. As a result, they cannot make it more sustainable or grow. That has an effect on the economy and jobs in the Netherlands.
Better use of the power grid
The government and network operators work at full power on the expansion and increase of the power grid. But that is complex and takes time. Until then, it is crucial that we will use the existing just smarter. Apart from peak hours, especially during the day, there is often still enough space on the power grid. We can make better use of that space, both people at home and at companies.
For example, those who have solar panels can use their own generated electricity when the sun shines – that is sustainable and efficient. Even without panels, it pays to use electricity at times when it is just less loaded. What matters is to make conscious choices.
It does not mean that no power may be used at all between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some devices, such as charging stations for electric or hybrid cars and heat pumps, use a lot of power but in many cases can easily be switched on later. Devices such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers are easy to plan with a timer or app. They do not press heavily on the net, but moving its use is easy and helps. For other devices, such as LED lighting, televisions or laptops, consumption in the evenings is no problem. And cooking on an electric hob requires reasonable power, but the use is usually short -lived.
Mass media campaign
‘Turn the button’ is also a broad awareness campaign aimed at all Dutch people between the ages of 18 and 59, with extra attention for young people through social content. The campaign consists of TV and radio commercials, outdoor advertising, online videos, banners and social media. The duration is from April 28 to June 22, 2025.
Want to know more?
On www.zetookdeknopom.nl Find your practical tips, inspiration stories and explanation about what you can do to help. Or follow the social media channels of Zet also the button.