Challenges To Effective Energy Poverty Policy In The Netherlands

Abstract

This paper studies policy on energy poverty at multiple levels of government in the Netherlands. Building on the theory of multilevel governance, it argues that energy poverty is a complex policy issue that requires that multiple levels of government coordinate the design and implementation of policy. It contributes to the literature by investigating the Netherlands, where energy poverty has long remained understudied. Using thematic analysis of policy documents and by conducting interviews with representatives of substate governments, the study identifies some of the main obstacles to effective policymaking on energy poverty in the Netherlands. These obstacles include the lack of a clear task division among different levels of government and a lack of long-term financial support from the central government. The study also finds that social actors such as interest groups and research institutes provide an essential platform to overcome some of these issues by fostering knowledge transfers and sharing best practices.