Utrecht’s municipal executive has decided that, from 1 October, owners of poorly insulated owner-occupied homes and small private landlords can get a professional energy advice visit at home for 50 euros. Households that need extra support, such as residents with a U-pas, will receive the advice entirely free. The city hopes to help at least 2,000 homeowners and sees advice as a first step towards concrete improvements.

What changes

The new approach replaces the existing subsidy scheme for energy advice, which the city found needlessly complicated. Residents had to pay the cost of the advice upfront and then apply for a subsidy afterwards. With the new scheme that administrative burden disappears: applicants pay only a one-off, low contribution, and the city pays the rest.

  • Owners of a poorly insulated owner-occupied home: 50 euros
  • Small private landlords: 50 euros
  • Households needing extra support, such as U-pas holders: free

How the advice works

The advice starts with a visit from an energy adviser to the home. During this conversation the adviser maps the home and discusses the wishes and possibilities of the resident or landlord. The applicant then receives a detailed report with recommended measures, including expected costs, possible savings and available financing options. The adviser also points to possible next steps, such as taking part in a collective purchasing scheme.

According to the city’s energy desk, the advice also includes a step-by-step plan for carrying out measures in the best order, and residents always decide for themselves what they do. The city works with four independent energy advisers who advise on insulating and heating homes and on generating energy, for example with solar panels. Independent means these advisers do not sell energy-saving measures.

Why the city is doing it

Energy alderman Julia Kleinrensink said the coalition agreement commits the municipality to help more residents make their homes more sustainable, which brings climate gains and lower energy bills. The scheme deliberately targets poorly insulated homes, where she said the gains are largest. The city notes that experience shows advice is often a first step towards taking concrete sustainability measures. More information is available from the energy desk of the municipality of Utrecht.