Local authorities see energy support as a key transition enabler in tackling energy poverty

Energy poverty continues to be a pressing societal issue and remains high on the political agenda. Local authorities are actively working to support vulnerable households, but face persistent structural challenges.

These insights come from the sixth edition of TNO’s biannual Energy Poverty Monitor, conducted among local authorities as part of the National Research Programme on Energy Poverty, launched by TNO in 2022. The results provide a clear picture of how local authorities assess their current approach, where they see room for improvement, the obstacles they encounter, and the conditions needed to strengthen and sustain their efforts.

Ongoing concerns

Responses from 156 policy officers across 137 local authorities show that, despite visible progress, there are still significant concerns about energy poverty. Identifying and effectively reaching vulnerable households remains difficult.

For many homeowners, the energy transition remains largely inaccessible. External factors such as cold winters and volatile energy prices further increase household vulnerability — all in the absence of a structural safety net.

Targeted use of SPUK funding

At the same time, policy officers report progress in the allocation and use of the Specific Grant (SPUK) for energy poverty. Local authorities most frequently use these funds for appliance replacement schemes, energy support services, and to complement the National Insulation Programme (NIP). For unspent funds, a similar distribution is anticipated.

Continue and expand approach

Local policy officers are eager to continue and expand their energy poverty strategies. To do so, they require stronger support from the national government. In particular, commitments to structural funding, clear national targets, and a coherent national vision would significantly enhance local authorities’ capacity to act.

They also advocate for a stronger integration of energy poverty within existing housing and energy programmes, such as the NIP and national heat transition initiatives.

Energy support as a social transition enabler

Energy support — in the form of fixers, coaches, and advisors — plays a central role in most local authorities’ energy poverty strategies. These services help households reduce their energy bills. The majority of policy officers see continued value in offering energy support and in maintaining and expanding the well-functioning ecosystems that underpin the local social energy transition.

Looking ahead, respondents see a key role for energy support organisations as transition enablers with a strong social dimension: they inform, motivate, and provide practical assistance. The research shows that energy support workers are a vital link in the energy transition.

Financial safety net remains a crucial component

Finally, local policy officers consistently emphasise that home improvements and transition support alone are not enough: direct financial assistance must remain an integral part of the approach to energy poverty. In times of rising energy costs, financial compensation from the national government is essential — particularly for minimum-income households and other vulnerable groups.

This monitor is part of TNO’s National Research Programme on Energy Poverty, which has provided insights into trends, challenges, and policy needs related to energy poverty in the Netherlands since 2022.