Frequently asked questions regarding energy assistance
The Klusbus or the Bespaarbox is intended for residents who get an energy allowance and who own their house or live in a rented house in the Municipality of Oss. They received a letter about this assistance.
Have you applied for an energy allowance? And you’d like to apply for the Klusbus or the Bespaarbox? Then check whether you meet the requirements on www.oss.nl/energietoeslag. Apply for the energy allowance. If you get the allowance, then you will get a letter about applying for the Klusbus or the Bespaarbox.
I do get the energy allowance, but I haven’t had a letter about assistance with saving energy. Why is that?
If you live at an address outside the Municipality of Oss or in a healthcare facility, you are not eligible for the Klusbus or Bespaarbox. That is why you haven’t had a letter.
There are a limited number of Bespaarboxes and places available for the Klusbus. The letter for the Klusbus is first sent to people living in homes with a low energy label (E, F and G). The letter for the Bespaarbox is first sent to people living in homes with D, C, B, A and A+ energy labels. If you received a letter about the Bespaarbox, and there are still places available for the Klusbus, then we’ll send you a letter about this. Once again, houses with the lowest energy labels will get the letter first. Both the Klusbus and Bespaarbox are subject to availability.
If you have any questions about your letter, then call +31 (0)14 0412 or send an email to energiehulp@oss.nl.
Will the Klusbus or the Bespaarbox mean that I will be paying what I used to pay for my energy?
Unfortunately, the Klusbus and the Bespaarbox don’t mean that you will be paying what you used to pay. What they do is help you to save energy and lower your energy bills. They also make your home feel more comfortable. How much will you save? That depends on how well insulated your house is and how you manage your energy consumption.
Our aim is to help as many people as possible with small energy-saving measures. Examples of this include fitting a shower timer, radiator foil, draught strips or LED light bulbs. To suit different requirements, needs and residents, we chose two options:
- The Klusbus, which sends people round from Klimaatroute (an organisation that advises people on how to save energy) to make your home more sustainable. You don’t need to do anything.
- The Bespaarbox, which contains items that you can use to make your home more sustainable.
You can decide which option best suits you.
No, the Klusbus takes minor energy-saving measures. Examples of this include fitting a shower timer, radiator foil, draught strips or LED light bulbs.
If you own your home and you’d like advice about major energy-saving measures, like insulation or solar panels, then the ‘Brabant Woont Slim’ energy desk at the Municipality of Oss is the place to go. They will give you advice on how you can conserve energy in your house. Visit www.brabantwoontslim.nl/oss.
Check your energy bill or your power supplier’s app to see what you consume the most: gas (in cubic metres) or electricity (kWh).
- - If your house is properly insulated, you probably consume more electricity. Then the best Bespaarbox for you would be the one for electricity.
- - If you have to turn the heating on a lot to keep the house warm, then you’re probably using a lot of gas. In that case, the best Bespaarbox for you would be the one for gas.
Help when deciding which to go for
If you’re not sure which Bespaarbox to go for, and you’d like someone to help you decide, then make an appointment for a free kitchen table conversation. You can do so via www.ossschakeltdoor.nl/keukentafelgesprek. Mention in the form that you would like help with choosing the Energy Assistance Bespaarbox. The energy coaches will help you to decide.
No, your rental will not go up.
For more information, check the Central Government website about ‘Home improvements’.
Will taking advantage of the Klusbus or Bespaarbox affect my welfare benefits?