Residents of Súdwest-Fryslân weigh in on sustainable heating transition priorities
Over 1,600 residents in Súdwest-Fryslân shared their views on switching to sustainable heating, highlighting concerns about affordability and careful planning. The findings will shape the municipality’s heating programme, impacting future energy policies and costs for households.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of participants | 1,628 residents |
| Survey period | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Support for sustainable heating | 69% (very) positive, 19% neutral |
| Top priorities | Affordability, insulation, resident involvement, careful planning |
| Lowest priority | Speed of transition |
| Future involvement interest | Majority want updates; many willing to contribute to local plans |
| Municipality’s next steps | Drafting heating programme for 2026–2036, covering neighbourhood solutions |
The municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân is responsible for implementing the national energy transition policy at the local level. This includes developing heating programmes that outline how residents and businesses will transition from natural gas to sustainable alternatives over the next decade.
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1,628 residents contributed to discussion on sustainable heating
Published on Thursday 19 March 2026 in News, Sustainability.
In December 2025 and January 2026, 1,628 residents completed a questionnaire about sustainable heating. There was a closed consultation (sample survey) and an open consultation (anyone could participate). We share the key findings from this questionnaire. The results will be used for the heating programme.
Key findings at a glance
The survey focused on what residents consider important when switching to sustainable heating in the municipality.
- A majority (69%) of residents think it is a (very) good idea to switch from natural gas to sustainable heating. 19% have a neutral view. People have concerns about the feasibility and affordability of the transition.
- Many residents consider it important that:
- energy saving and home insulation are prioritised first;
- the transition remains affordable for residents;
- residents are well informed and involved in plans in their neighbourhood or village.
- The goal of switching to sustainable heating as quickly as possible is given the lowest priority on average. Many residents feel it is more important that the transition is carried out carefully and that costs and feasibility are properly considered.
- At the same time, additional analyses show that different groups of residents have different priorities. Some residents consider speed more important, while others particularly value choice or affordability.
- Many participants want to remain involved in this topic. A large majority indicated they would like to receive information about the transition to sustainable heating, and a significant proportion of participants would like to contribute to future plans in their neighbourhood or village.
What will we do with the findings?
We will use the findings when drafting the new heating programme. This will outline how Súdwest-Fryslân will switch from natural gas to sustainable heating. All municipalities in the Netherlands must create such a heating programme. It will specify how the municipality will work on sustainable heating over the next 5-10 years and which heating solutions are most suitable for each neighbourhood or area. For example, it will cover how residents, businesses and associations can best heat their buildings. And how we will ensure this transition is affordable and feasible.
The survey results will also be used in other energy transition projects, such as insulation programmes and local implementation plans.
How did participants experience the survey?
Most participants had a positive experience of the survey. Many residents said this was the first time they had shared their views on this topic with the municipality. Many residents also want to contribute more often to this topic, in this way or others.
Did you also take part in the consultation? Thank you again for your participation and involvement. Thanks to your contribution, we now have a better understanding of what residents consider important when switching to sustainable heating.