The energy transition
Accelerating the energy transition for everyone
ACM wishes to accelerate the energy transition and to eliminate obstacles
By 2050, we aim to consume energy that is generated without carbon emissions. The Netherlands will have to stop consuming fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal in order to achieve the climate goals. We also want to be less dependent on Russian gas. ACM will help accelerate the energy transition, and, through its regulatory efforts, wishes to ensure that energy systems are ready for sustainable energy. At the same time, ACM is committed to ensuring affordable and reliable energy for everyone, particularly for vulnerable consumers at risk of energy poverty.
In 2023, ACM will focus on the following three energy topics:
1. The energy transition for everyone
Not everyone has the means to invest in solar panels or heat pumps, and certainly not when energy suppliers are charging high prices for natural gas and electricity. This could slow the transition towards sustainable energy. People with low incomes and poorly insulated homes (both rented and owner-occupied) without solar panels constitute a vulnerable group. To help accelerate the energy transition for everyone, ACM will focus on:
- tighter regulation of energy suppliers and energy tariffs;
- new rules on early-termination fees so that energy suppliers start offering permanent contracts again;
- additional education: from February 2023, ACM will publish a monitor that gives an overview of trends and developments in the energy market.
2. Oversight aimed at acceleration
Developments such as the increase in wind farms, solar panels, and electric transport mean the grid must be expanded and be used more efficiently. And in order to phase out natural gas, heat offers an alternative. In 2023, ACM will:
- encourage energy firms to use the grid more efficiently;
- determine the usefulness and necessity of network operators’ investments by assessing their investment plans for 2024-2026, so that it becomes clear when and where investments will be made in the grid;
- strengthen its oversight over the security of supply and service quality of heat suppliers for consumers.
3. Market structure in transition
New energy sources, technologies, and competitors in the energy world will fundamentally change the energy market. The current energy crisis shows how quickly affordability and security of supply can be jeopardized. In 2023, ACM will:
- study in what way the consumer energy market works for promoting competition;
- enforce compliance with the Gas Protection and Recovery Plan and oversee the filling of gas storage facilities;
- assess the feasibility of proposed new heat legislation (the Collective Heat Supply Act), and prepare to take on the thereto-related new duties;
- monitor the financial positions of heat suppliers.