Government repeats campaign to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours

During this time slot, electricity usage peaks as people come home, cook, turn on appliances, and charge electric cars. Although grid operators will significantly expand the power grid in the coming years, it remains important to reduce the load on the grid during these peak hours. For example, by running the washing machine later, postponing electric car charging, or scheduling appliance use with a timer.

In more and more places, the power grid is reaching its limits. This is because we use more electricity simultaneously and produce it at different times (with solar panels). The expansion of the power grid – such as installing thicker cables and additional transformer stations – is underway but takes time. To prevent outages and maintain system reliability, it is necessary to reduce the load on the grid when it is most needed. That is why we urge people to use less electricity between 4 PM and 9 PM, to counter the electricity peak!

Although many households hardly notice this at home yet, the consequences are already visible in society. Thousands of companies are on waiting lists for heavier connections, new homes sometimes cannot yet be connected, and sustainability plans are delayed. This slows economic growth and the energy transition in the Netherlands.

Expanding the power grid costs a lot of money, time, and space, so it is crucial to use the available capacity more efficiently. Outside peak hours, there is often sufficient capacity. By using electricity during these times, the grid is better balanced. For households with solar panels, they can use their own sustainable electricity directly when the sun shines. But even without panels, it helps to use appliances when the grid is less busy.

The call is to use less electricity between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Many appliances, such as heat pumps or charging stations, can easily be run at lower power or earlier or later in the day. And for lighting, laptops, televisions, and cooking, usage during these hours is not a problem as they do not consume much electricity and can be used normally.

The campaign runs from December 15 until the end of January and includes TV and radio commercials, online videos, outdoor advertising, and social content.

More information and practical tips can be found at www.zetookdeknopom.nl.