ABSTRACT
The economy of Gent is based on its seaport facilities and the heavy industry attracted by these facilities. As regards natural gas, households are the largest consumers, taking about two-thirds of the natural gas supply. In the electricity sector the non-domestic users are more prominent consumption categories. Though oil-based space heating still exists, the use of oil products is concentrated in the transport sector and a few heavy industries. District heating is used in a few large public facilities. Since 1981 local generation and distribution have been separated. Generation is now organized on a national basis, while the distribution in Gent and adjacent areas has a regional-local structure. Also in 1981 the city of Gent established a so-called Energy Cell. The Cell also publishes an annual report as part of the municipal budget proposals. Thus increase of public awareness is a major vehicle of energy-environmental policy.
