The Hague tackles energy poverty by removing barriers to energy-efficient appliances

Reducing administrative barriers

From 1 June, the city's Sustainable Gift Card (Duurzame Cadeaukaart) is automatically linked to the Ooievaarspas, allowing cardholders to redeem discounts directly at participating retailers across The Hague without submitting a separate application.

The Ooievaarspas is widely used in The Hague to help residents on lower incomes participate in everyday life. The card provides access to discounts on cultural activities, sports, education and other municipal schemes. By integrating the Sustainable Gift Card into the existing system, the municipality is making support for energy-efficient appliances easier to access while reducing administrative barriers.

Discounts on energy-efficient appliances

At participating shops throughout the city, eligible residents simply present their Ooievaarspas together with valid identification to receive discounts of up to €350 on energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers. These appliances typically consume significantly less electricity than older models, helping households lower their energy bills over the long term.

Since the scheme was introduced, almost 12,000 households in The Hague have applied for the Sustainable Gift Card. The municipality sees the programme as an effective way to tackle energy poverty by helping residents replace older, energy-hungry appliances that are often expensive to upgrade without financial support.

Supporting an inclusive energy transition

The initiative forms part of The Hague's broader approach to tackling energy poverty and supporting an inclusive energy transition. By combining financial assistance with an existing, well-established municipal programme, the city aims to ensure that the benefits of sustainability are accessible to all residents, regardless of income.