ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2024 – Households in Rotterdam saw the lowest reduction in energy costs in Zuid-Holland last year, according to new data. However, both gas and electricity consumption still declined.
Rotterdam records the lowest energy savings in Zuid-Holland
While households across Zuid-Holland managed to reduce their energy consumption in 2023, those in Rotterdam achieved the lowest average savings, according to new data from the sustainability platform Slimster. The figures, based on the most recent data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), show that households in Rotterdam saved an average of €154 on their energy bills, the smallest reduction among all municipalities in the province.
Rotterdam's gas and electricity consumption sees a modest decline
Despite having the lowest overall savings, households in Rotterdam still managed to lower both gas and electricity use. Gas consumption in the city dropped from an average of 680 cubic metres in 2022 to 600 cubic metres in 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 12%. Electricity consumption also fell, from 2,230 kWh in 2022 to 2,090 kWh in 2023, a reduction of around 6%.
Other municipalities in Zuid-Holland make greater energy savings
Elsewhere in Zuid-Holland, other municipalities experienced more substantial reductions in energy costs. Seven municipalities, including Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, Albrandswaard, Goeree-Overflakkee, and Hoeksche Waard, achieved average savings of over €300 per household. The municipalities of Molenlanden, Krimpenerwaard, and Wassenaar saw the most significant savings, with the average household saving €226 across the province.
Molenlanden tops the list for gas savings
The municipality of Molenlanden recorded the highest reduction in gas usage, with a decrease of over 17% last year. By contrast, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Midden-Delfland saw a reduction of just over 10%, partly due to the higher number of flats in these areas, where gas consumption tends to be lower.
Albrandswaard achieves the largest reduction in electricity use
In terms of electricity, Albrandswaard led the way, with a reduction of 18.1% in net electricity consumption. This decline is particularly notable given the municipality’s relatively low number of homes with solar panels. The municipality was not among the top scorers in Slimster’s recent 'Eco-Electric Index,' which evaluates the number of homes with solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Pijnacker-Nootdorp emerged as the overall winner in this ranking.
Why are these reductions happening?
Commenting on the findings, Marco Schuurman of Slimster noted, “The decrease in electricity supply is largely due to the growing number of homes with solar panels. One in three households now generates its own power. While actual electricity consumption may have risen, many households are using their own solar energy, which isn't reflected in the supply figures. The CBS measures only the amount of electricity delivered to households by energy providers, not the consumption that happens 'behind the meter.'”
