Like other municipalities, Houten also has ties with Russia; the municipality purchases electricity at Gazprom. “That is a Dutch location, but the gas comes from Russia,” says Isabella. However, switching is not just an option. “If we cancel it now, it will be offered on the world market again.” The gas will then be offered at a much higher price, the city manager explains, and that money will go back to Russia. “So we have to be very aware of what we’re doing.”