Soaring bills a real concern for many households as energy subsidy comes to an end
Households across the Netherlands are grappling with mounting financial stress following the sudden termination of the Temporary Energy Assistance Fund for 2025. The decision to halt the fund, which provided crucial support to struggling households during the energy crisis, has left many unable to cope with rising gas and electricity bills.
The fund, established in 2022 in response to skyrocketing energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was abruptly discontinued by the Dutch government on November 22. According to an exclusive report by De Telegraaf, the decision was made after insufficient financial commitments were secured from energy suppliers, banks, municipalities, and other organizations. Legal and financial disagreements further complicated efforts to maintain the program.
Michel van Leeuwen, director at Flanderijn, an organization of bailiffs and debt collection agencies, described the situation as dire. "We receive dozens of calls daily from people seeking help," he told De Telegraaf. "This issue is becoming critical. With rising gas prices, people prioritize paying their energy bills to avoid disconnection, but that means they skip paying health insurance premiums or car policies. This will lead to significant problems."
The Temporary Energy Assistance Fund had processed 190,000 applications this year, with 110,000 households meeting eligibility criteria. Single individuals earning up to 3,200 euros gross per month and cohabiting partners with a combined income of up to 4,480 euros qualified if their energy costs consumed at least 8–10 percent of their income. Beneficiaries received an average of 97 euros per month for six months.
However, just before the program was set to reopen for 2025, the government announced its closure. According to State Secretary Jurgen Nobel, a lack of funding and unresolved disagreements among stakeholders made continuation unfeasible. The government plans to revisit potential solutions for 2026, including distributing aid through municipalities.
Van Leeuwen criticized the proposed municipal distribution method, highlighting potential delays and mismanagement. "Everyone knows that distributing funds through municipalities can take months, while people need the money now," he said. "In the past, such funds have been misallocated—for example, used to buy streetlights instead of helping people in need. Without clear instructions, municipalities may redirect the money elsewhere."
Van Leeuwen, who also works as a "debt relief coach" for ONSbank, stressed the importance of maintaining the fund. "It worked well because all parties—aid organizations, energy companies, and agencies—were aligned to reach vulnerable households effectively. The funds were targeted and served their purpose," he explained.
The abrupt closure has led to renewed uncertainty for struggling households. "We used to know that applications and compensation would start in these months, so we could delay taking legal action like initiating payment arrangements. Now, we can’t do that anymore," Van Leeuwen said.
He urged households to seek help immediately if they are unable to pay energy bills. "Do not wait for the municipality; that will only make things worse. Call or email your energy provider—most creditors understand and want to help. There are many organizations ready to assist," he advised.
The discontinuation of the fund has already left thousands in limbo. "We had 5,000 new households sign up again," Van Leeuwen noted. "This is an enormous missed opportunity."
