Finance Topicus contributes to Energy Emergency Fund – social impact in action

Once again in 2025, Topicus was on hand for the Emergency Energy Fund - an initiative of the government, energy suppliers and civil society organizations, including SchuldenLabNL. The fund supports low-income households with high energy bills. It was set up three years ago, when energy prices rose sharply and vulnerable households in particular were hit hard.

The need for support is still high. This year, €56.3 million was made available - an amount that was fully requested within one week. This shows not only the urgency, but also how important it is that the digital application process is fast, reliable and secure. And that is precisely where Topicus plays a key role.

Fast switching, big impact

Already in its first year, Topicus quickly developed a computational model that determines eligibility. This model was linked via an API to the digital application process. Delivery manager Pim Korens: “It was a huge joint achievement: from the software model to the set-up of Flanderijn's customer contact center - everything was in place in a very short time.”

The project is carried out in cooperation with nine other parties, including Deloitte (project management), Van de Bunt Communications and the supplier of the application application. The collaboration is intensive and especially inspiring. "There is real synergy between the teams. Everyone goes that extra mile because we all feel how important this is for the people who need it," said Pim.

Secure, scalable and people-oriented

The execution of the project is strongly focused on both technology and security. Think of weekly chain meetings, coordination on security and communication, and of course pen testing on our API. The closer we got to going live, the more intensive the consultations became. The goal: to ensure that the system can handle the peak load and that applicants are helped in a safe, understandable way.

The application period ran from April 22 to April 29, 2025. During that week, as many as 210,000 households could apply for aid - and they did so en masse. For many people, it meant a piece of relief during a difficult time. Despite the short application period and the large influx, the process was technically smooth.

Proud of our contribution

This was the third year that Topicus was involved in the Emergency Fund. With all parties involved, we notice that the motivation only grows. It is extraordinary to see how much social impact we can make together - with technology, but especially by working for people who really need it. It is a project of which we as Topicus are proud.