Citizens’ Council Energy Transition

You can now register to participate in the Citizens’ Council on Energy Transition.The Citizens’ Council advises the municipality of Leiden on the transition to sustainable energy. 

Citizen’s Council in brief 

In the Citizens’ Council, 150 Leiden residents will engage in dialogue with each other during a series of meetings on energy transition. You have the opportunity to be one of these particpants. The Citizens’ Council will provide recommendations to the municipality on how to best transition to less and cleaner energy in the coming years. 

We are organising this Citizen’s Council because the municipality values hearing your opinion. The energy transition concerns us all. Everyone’s experience and ideas matter; as together they form a comprehensive picture. It does not matter whether you have extensive or limited knowledge on the subject. Before the meetings, you will receive all the information you need. Guided by an independent facilitator, you will work in small groups towards a joint proposal. The municipal council ultimately decides on the proposals of the Citizens’ Council. 

Why is this Citizen’s Council energietransitie? 

By 2050, the energy supply in the Netherlands must be almost entirely sustainable. Using natural gas for cooking or heating will no longer be possible, only renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy will be used. This is necessary due to climate change. 

The switch to alternative energy sources will have an impact on everyone’s finances and daily lives. It will affect us all. That is why we believe it is important to hear the experiences, concerns and ideas of a wide range of residents from Leiden. This way, we can make the transition together as smoothly as possible. Your opinion matters. 

What does participation entail?* 

– The kick-off meeting is on Saturday 16 September 2023 is from 10am-4pm; 

– Subsequent meetings are on 30 September, 28 October, 25 November, 9 December 2023; 

– The Citizen’s Council will be held at the town hall, lunch is provided; 

– Participants will receive compensation of 250 euros in the form of a voucher, cash or donation to charity. We will work with individuals on social benefits, if necessary, to prevent any potential reduction in their benefits.  

You must register for the Citizen’s Council 

With this letter we will let you know that you have been selected and can therefore participate in the Citizen’s Council. You can now apply to participate. We then draw 150 people from all applications to represent the residents of Leiden. 

You can apply until 30 June 2023 via leiden.nl/burgerberaad. 

If you cannot attend, you may share this invitation with a person from your household. One person (aged 16 or over) per selected address may apply. The 150 enrolled participants will be known in early July. After registration, further communication will be by email. 

Assistance 

If you require assistance to participate in the meetings, for example because you have mobility problems or need childcare, please let us know when you register. We will work on finding a solution. 

More information 

You can find more information about the Citizen’s Council at leiden.nl/burgerberaad. Make sure to also read the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

Contact 

If you have any further questions or need assistance with your registration, please contact the municipality of Leiden at 14 071 dial 4; Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. You can also send an email to burgerberaad@leiden.nl.  

 *Check the conditions for participation on the application form.