Statement of the day | Taxpayers’ money must be used to eradicate energy poverty

Energy poverty is a problem for hundreds of thousands of households in the Netherlands. In addition, the problem is most common in the north: East Groningen, East Drenthe and northern Friesland stand out above the rest of the country.

According to research institute TNO, Oldambt is even the municipality where energy poverty is most prevalent. More than 13 percent of families there have to deal with a low income in combination with a high energy bill or a home of (very) poor energy quality.

Energy companies warn that our energy bills could remain quite high until 2035. This will also be higher for people who cannot invest in their home. The energy companies are asking the government to permanently open the Temporary Energy Emergency Fund to avoid financial misery.

What do you think, should the 600,000 families suffering from energy poverty be financially assisted by the government? Or does the solution lie elsewhere, and should taxpayer money not be used in this way? Let us know your opinion by responding to the statement of the day:

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