Gas prices high, supplies low. How well is the Netherlands prepared for a cold, expensive winter?

The Netherlands faces a challenging winter with rising gas prices and low storage levels, impacting households. Many have improved home insulation and adopted heat pumps, but energy poverty remains a concern for lower-income groups. While some households are better prepared, others struggle with high costs and uncertainty about energy bills. The government has provided subsidies for energy efficiency, but not all can access these resources. The situation is reminiscent of the 2022 energy crisis, though current gas prices are lower than previous peaks. The government is spending less on compensation this year, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations.