Dutch urged to cut electricity use during peak hours

ISTANBUL

The Dutch government launched a national campaign Tuesday to urge residents to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours to ease pressure on the power grid.

The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth said in a statement that the Flip the Switch Too campaign aims to encourage people to lower their electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. when consumption typically surges as many return home from work.

Grid operators are working to expand the network, including laying thicker cables, but upgrades will take time, said the ministry.
In the meantime, reducing power use during peak periods could help prevent disruptions such as blackouts, delays in connecting new residential areas and setbacks for companies needing additional electricity capacity, it said.

“Although most households do not yet experience direct consequences, the strain on the grid has major societal impacts,” said the ministry, noting that companies are already facing wait lists for new or expanded power connections, hindering their growth and sustainability efforts.

The ministry stressed that complete avoidance of electricity use during peak hours is not necessary.

Essential activities such as cooking, or using LED lighting and laptops, can continue, but shifting high-consumption activities like running washing machines and dryers or charging electric vehicles to off-peak hours could significantly ease grid pressure.

The campaign, from April 28 to June 22, targets Dutch residents aged 18 to 59, with a special focus on young people through social media.