'We are committed to optimal energy access’

‘Some may wonder why we don’t use our profit to dampen the constantly rising energy prices. Because we are a commercial business, with shareholders. And because we need to put money aside for investments. The margins are small and our prices are certainly not the highest. We are trying to keep energy accessible and affordable in other ways. For instance, we devote a lot of attention to mitigating the effects of rising prices: customers seeking to save energy can go online to check and compare their consumption; they can also borrow our energy meter at no charge to monitor the consumption of their electrical appliances; or apply energy-saving technology such as the high-performance boilers that can be rented or bought from Nuon. Customers can also opt to fix their rate to eliminate the impact of further rises. In addition, we have a special budget rate for customers who commit to Nuon for two years. And for people who run up arrears, we have a social plan involving intensive contact with social services to refer them to the proper agencies. We also have arrears payment schemes and point people in the direction of debt assistance services. Regarding this group of customers, our policy is to act promptly. That way, we hope to help people avoid spiralling debt.’

Kjartan Vonen Skaugvoll, Retail Director

This viewpoint is published in Sustainable Nuon 2006 magazine. In this magazine, the reader is guided through eight key issues that are currently confronting our sector and company; we explain our viewpoints and their relevance to the wider world. You can order the magazine through the order form on this website.