According to Pricewise.nl, a price-comparison site specific to the Netherlands, utility bills are likely to increase this coming January.

Trends in energy prices in the Netherlands  

The Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS) shows that since the 90s, prices for electricity and gas in the Netherlands have steadily risen as result of a higher basic price, as well as higher levies and VAT.

Since then, the Netherlands has remained one of the most expensive countries in Europe for energy.

In the last three years, however, prices have remained steady and residents have enjoyed lower rates than normal. Unfortunately, with the onset of 2017, this could all change.

Variable vs fixed contracts

The good news is that not every household will be affected. Those who have chosen for fixed prices (vastgelegd) for a duration of more than one year, may be saved.

Variable customers (variabele), those who pay on a yearly basis, however, are likely to pick up the tab. Pricewise.nl anticipates that the average household can expect to pay an increase of 20 euros more per year.

Overall, energy prices are monitored by the government. This means that the predicted increase is subject to approval by the Autoriteit Consument en Markt (ACM) this coming December.

Furthermore, since energy companies such as Nuon, Essent, Eneco and Delta are privatised, it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. 

Why energy prices are going up

Energy prices may go up due to an increase in taxes, transport costs, and to help fund the production of more renewable energy sources like windmills, and other forms of green energy.

According to De Telegraaf, whilst the actual cost of energy is low, residents in the Netherlands pay an equal ratio of their total energy costs on tax, along with 18 percent in transport costs.

In addition, there is also a portion of their overall bill that goes towards renewable energy, which is also set to rise by 30 percent as of next year.

Tips on how to set up your energy provider  

If you’re new to the Netherlands, and you’ve just moved into your home, whether renting or buying, it’s likely you’ll have to organise your utilities yourself. Find out how to make the right choices on setting up home utilities in the Netherlands.