Owners of (partially) electric car beware: government calls for using less power between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Mass media campaign: flip the switch too

Also turn the switch is a broad awareness campaign aimed at all Dutch people between the ages of 18 and 59, with an extra focus on young people through social content. The campaign consists of TV and radio commercials, outdoor advertising, online videos, banners and social media. It runs from April 28 to June 22, 2025. The call of the campaign is to Use as little power as possible between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. whenever possible.

Peak hours

“During these peak hours, when many people come home, power consumption is generally the highest,” said Central Government. “The power grid is being greatly expanded by grid operators, but it also helps if we use less power during the busiest hours. For example, by turning on the washing machine or dishwasher at a different time or postponing the charging of an electric car or bicycle, together we help to relieve the power grid.”

Pusher on mains

The power grid is running up against its limits in more and more places. This is because we are using or producing more and more power at the same time, for example with solar panels. Network operators are busy expanding the power grid, for example by laying thicker cables in the ground, but that takes time. To avoid failures, it is important that we do not overload the power grid, hence the call to use less power where possible during the busiest times.

Central government: “Although most people do not yet notice any direct consequences at home, the impact in society is great. If we do nothing, the chance of power failures will increase, new residential areas may not be able to be connected and companies are already on a waiting list for a new or heavier power connection. This prevents them from further sustainability or growth. That affects the economy and jobs in the Netherlands.”

Better utilization of the power grid

“The government and grid operators are working at full speed to expand and strengthen the power grid. But that is complex and takes time. Until then, it is crucial that we use the existing grid more intelligently. Outside peak hours, especially during the day, there is often still plenty of room on the grid. We can make better use of that space, both in people’s homes and in businesses,” adds Rijksoverheid.

Use the solar panels as they generate

For example, those with solar panels can use their own generated power when the sun shines – that’s sustainable and efficient. Even without panels, it pays to use power at times when the grid is less loaded. What matters is making conscious choices.

Using power is allowed

It does not mean that no power should be used at all between 4 and 9 p.m. Some appliances, such as charging stations for electric or hybrid cars and heat pumps, use a lot of power but in many cases can easily be turned on later. Appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers are good to schedule with a timer or app. They don’t weigh heavily on the grid, but rescheduling their use is easy and does help. For other appliances, such as LED lights, televisions or laptops, consumption at night is not a problem. Cooking on an electric stove requires a fair amount of power, but use is usually short-lived.