Overview
- Responding to fresh warnings about a new energy crunch from De Nederlandsche Bank and ABN Amro, the Sociaal‑Economische Raad released a report that asks the government to remove hurdles that block household and small‑business upgrades.
- The council points to proven fixes such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels, but says uptake stalls because rules are complex, information is unclear, and many people do not know where to start.
- It recommends simpler regulation, one‑stop information points and practical support, with incentives timed to “natural moments” like a home move, a renovation or a business expansion.
- The report stresses predictable policy, saying shifting subsidies deter long‑term investments, illustrated by a Ridderkerk garage owner who drew neighbor complaints after switching to LEDs and saw solar payback outlast the subsidy period.
- SER data show only a small share of potential savings in sectors like bakeries, cafés and garages has been used, which it says heightens the need to protect budgets and reduce health risks in poorly insulated buildings.