The council sent out 51 letters in a playful way to grab people's attention. These folks have been getting energy allowances over the last few years and live in their own homes with a low property value that aren't well insulated. They can use a £4,000 NIP grant to insulate their homes, without having to pay anything themselves or cover the costs up front. The response has been unprecedentedly high: almost 30 per cent of the residents who received the letter contacted the local council. Energy coach Dick van Leeuwen has already provided several energy recommendations. This experience shows that, contrary to expectations, many of the respondents are taking action themselves and are not making use of the full support package. They often appreciate going through the steps together over the phone and then taking them themselves.

In 2025, even more residents within the target group will be contacted. The NIP insulation advisor will go through the steps with the resident (by telephone) to explain what needs to be done: energy advice, then discussing which insulation measures they would like to implement, possibly helping to contact suppliers, helping to understand the quotations, and possibly helping to apply for the NIP and ISDE subsidies. This approach leads directly to results, namely that insulation is actually installed. Four NIP subsidy applications are already being processed. Residents are very grateful for the help and attention.

Click here for further information from the local authority.

Would you like to become a NIP insulation advisor? Send an email to the Energy Coordination Team (ECT) at Energiek Alphen aan den Rijn: energiecoach@energiekalphen.nl.