hoogverbruikers

Hoogverbruikers, or high consumers, is a term used in the Netherlands to refer to households or individuals that consume a significantly larger amount of energy than average. This classification is often made by energy companies for administrative purposes, particularly when it comes to the distribution of energy or the application of certain tariffs and regulations.

The definition of a hoogverbruiker can vary slightly between energy suppliers, but it generally implies consumption levels that are notably above the statistical norm. This could be due to various factors. For instance, larger families with more occupants often naturally consume more. Certain types of housing, such as older, less insulated homes, can also lead to higher heating requirements and thus higher energy consumption. Furthermore, specific domestic activities, like frequent use of high-energy appliances, electric heating, or extensive use of electronics, can contribute to a household being classified as a hoogverbruiker.

Being classified as a hoogverbruiker does not necessarily imply inefficient or wasteful behavior, though it can sometimes be an indicator. Energy companies might use this classification to inform customers about their consumption patterns or to offer tailored advice or products. In some regulatory contexts, specific rules or incentives might be applied differently to hoogverbruikers compared to average consumers, although this is not a universal practice. The term primarily serves as a descriptor for a statistical outlier in energy consumption.