New AMS Institute and MIT research offers a breakthrough in energy poverty

What is energy poverty?

Energy poverty refers to the difficulty households face in affording essential energy services like heating, lighting, and cooking. This issue arises from a combination of high energy costs, low income, and inefficiently insulated homes. In the Netherlands, approximately 550,000 households experience energy poverty, including 35,000 in Amsterdam.  

With the city's goal of transitioning all households away from natural gas by 2050, this research is particularly relevant. AMS Institute conducted a study involving 167 Amsterdam households, implementing both technical upgrades—such as smart home technology—and behavioral adjustments like reducing shower time.

A deep dive into the AMS Institute research

Led by Joe Llewellyn, the research demonstrated significant outcomes, with participating households reducing electricity use by 33% on average and gas consumption by 42%, resulting in an average monthly saving of 104 euros. Home visits included practical changes such as installing radiator foil, draught strips, and water-saving showerheads, along with integrating smart technology. 

The study highlighted that while these measures were effective, households benefited even more when receiving guidance from an energy coach. This AMS Institute and MIT research can be seen as an example for municipalities not only in the Netherlands but across the world, on how to devise policies to combat energy policy. 

Amsterdam leading the way to combat energy poverty

It’s not only AMS Institute that are paving the way when it comes to combatting energy poverty – Vandebron, a green energy company based in Amsterdam connects consumers directly to local renewable energy providers while offering affordable green energy options. While Vandebron are focusing on green energy, Sympower specialise in demand response services, optimising energy consumption by balancing supply and demand.

With well-renowned institutes as well as companies thinking outside the box when it comes to tackling energy poverty, Amsterdam is leading the way for its residents not only in the Netherlands but worldwide who are dealing with these energy challenges.