a creative solution

In this month’s edition of the Dutch magazine Utilities I read that minister Dekker allocates two million Euro for projects that help the poor families to save energy (see also: http://www.vrom.nl/pagina.html?id=23291). This subsidy appears to have been existing since 2002, but this new allocation means an extension. What a good idea this is to alleviate these families of the increased energy prices. Instead of just transferring money to their bank account as was discussed in parliament a few months ago, which is then likely to be spent on other things, this solution hits two in one blow, as it contributes to climate change targets as well. Climate change issues and energy saving are issues still too vague and probably too indirect too for many to be an incentive to choose to invest in energy saving measures. I think it’s these kinds of creative solutions that can make a difference.