Extra money for successful white goods exchange scheme

Tilburg has a white goods exchange scheme. This allows households to exchange their old washing machine or refrigerator for a more energy-efficient appliance. The scheme is a success. That is why the municipality increases the budget. So that everyone who receives the 2023 energy allowance can also use the white goods exchange scheme.

Since the start of the white goods scheme, almost 13,000 households have received an invitation letter to participate. More than 8,400 households applied for the gift card. This number was much higher than the municipality had expected (6,300 gift cards).

Great success

All 6,300 gift cards had been distributed within four weeks. Soon there were more than 1,900 households on the waiting list. This means that participation in Tilburg is greater than in other municipalities. The waiting list has now been reduced to 1,470 households. “We think it is important that all residents can save on energy. Unfortunately, many residents do not have enough money to buy a more energy-efficient refrigerator or washing machine. This arrangement helps them with that. It is one of the Tilburg schemes that allows residents to save energy and costs and thus contribute to a more sustainable Tilburg," says councilor Yusuf Çelik (Sustainability).

Waiting list

Due to the success, there is currently a waiting list. This week, another 700 households will receive an invitation for the white goods exchange scheme. They received the energy allowance before February 1, 2024. “Despite the waiting list, we advise residents to apply for the gift card so that they are immediately put on the waiting list. They will receive the gift card when there is sufficient stock again at the Tilburg white goods suppliers. We realize that a waiting list is not nice, but we think it is important that everyone has sufficient choice and that the white goods stores can help everyone,” says councilor Yusuf Çelik (Sustainability).

How does it work?

Anyone who receives the 2023 energy allowance can participate in the white goods scheme. They will receive a letter containing a personal code. With this code they request a gift card of 550 euros. They automatically receive the gift card at home. This allows them to exchange their old refrigerator or washing machine for a new and more energy-efficient appliance. This is possible at various Tilburg white goods suppliers and also online. For more information, visit the Regional Energy Desk website.

Apply for energy allowance

The 2023 energy surcharge is an amount of 800 euros for residents with a low income. Many residents automatically received this amount in their account in December. Anyone who has not received an energy allowance and meets all the conditions can apply for the energy allowance via www.tilburg.nl/energy allowance. Applications can be submitted until March 31, 2024.