Dutch households cut gas use by 14% since 2022 energy crisis
Dutch households are continuing to use significantly less natural gas than before the 2022 energy crisis, while renewed tensions involving the Iran war are sharply increasing demand for heat pumps and other sustainable energy systems, according to industry data released Thursday.
A Vattenfall analysis of customer gas consumption shows that households used, on average, about 14 percent less gas this winter than in the winter of 2021–2022. The data indicate that, after the steep drop in 2022, consumption has remained structurally lower in the following winters.
The findings come as geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East continues to influence energy-related decisions. While the latest tensions involving Iran did not significantly affect gas consumption this winter, they have strongly boosted demand for sustainable home energy solutions.
Feenstra, a Vattenfall subsidiary and installation partner, reported that applications for heat pumps have more than doubled since the start of the conflict.
Total applications for solar-related products—including solar panels, solar water heaters, and home batteries—have nearly doubled since the outbreak of the conflict.
Heleen Boer, director of customer experience at Vattenfall, said households can permanently reduce gas use through efficiency and electrification measures and that such steps also reduce exposure to price volatility.
“Whoever insulates their home, uses a heat pump or an air conditioner for heating, and uses structurally less gas. A solar water heater also helps because it uses surplus solar power and reduces gas consumption. In this way, you can permanently lower your energy bill with small and large measures and become less vulnerable to price fluctuations. For households that find it difficult to invest, there are supporting schemes available, such as ISDE subsidies,” Boer said.
