Entrepreneurs cornered by punitive levy on gas

Business organisations VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland have expressed concern about the planned punitive levy on gas in Minister Jetten's recently presented climate plans. While the organisations are overall happy with the cabinet's climate goals, they consider it unfair that thousands of entrepreneurs will suffer as a result of this measure. Entrepreneurs want to reduce their gas consumption, but are hampered by an overloaded electricity grid and the lack of sustainable alternatives.

According to the business organisations, the punitive tax not only creates injustice but also puts additional pressure on manufacturing companies in vulnerable regions. This simply shifts production and CO2 emissions to other countries, which goes against the intention of achieving climate targets. VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland, together with dozens of industry organisations, sent a letter to the Lower House on 24 May 2023 to express these concerns. This letter is in preparation for the discussion of the climate plans and the debate on making small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more sustainable on 1 June 2023.

Striking examples of how entrepreneurs are stuck

To illustrate the situation, the business organisations added a selection of some 30 examples to the letter. These examples are drawn from thousands of cases where entrepreneurs are stuck trying to become more sustainable, mainly due to problems with the electricity grid. Meanwhile, they face an energy tax increase on gas of more than a billion euros from next 2024. The lack of action perspective for many entrepreneurs undermines support for the energy transition and feels particularly unfair.

In the letter, the business organisations point out that with the cabinet's new climate package, the manufacturing industry will far exceed the 55% CO2 reduction target. Without the need to increase the energy tax, it will even achieve a 66% reduction by 2030. According to the organisations, these companies are thus more than delivering their fair share.

Implementation is key

In addition to highlighting these points, the business organisations call for more support for smaller SMEs to quickly become more sustainable. They also stress the importance of proper implementation of all plans. This should include attention to obtaining necessary permits in time, improving the energy infrastructure and guaranteeing sufficient green energy sources. These aspects are crucial for making the Netherlands a green frontrunner and actually achieving the targets set.

Vno-ncw.nl