Choosing the best energy provider in the Netherlands

Learn about utilities in the Netherlands, how to set up gas, electricity, and water, and tips for choosing the best energy providers in the Netherlands.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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Updated on 10 Jun 2024

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Renting

Are you wondering how to choose the best energy provider in the Netherlands? Well, worry no more. We’ll guide you through the different energy suppliers in the Netherlands, give you tips for choosing the best one, compare costs, and even help you set up your water.

When picking an energy provider in the Netherlands, you can choose between having the same or different gas and electricity suppliers. Some providers have lower prices for gas, while others offer better rates for electricity. Choose the best one for you based on your budget and energy needs. Keep in mind that you can often get a discount on your energy costs if you choose the same provider.

Energy provided by private suppliers in the Netherlands giving you a wide range of options. TenneT manages the electricity network, and N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie manages the natural gas network. These companies maintain the networks, whereas other companies are the suppliers for households and businesses.

The 5 largest energy suppliers in the Netherlands are

• Vattenfall
• Eneco
• Budget Energie
• Essent
• Engie

You can also sign up with a green energy supplier that uses wind or solar energy to power the household. Wind energy is delivered from the Dutch wind turbines, which you can see throughout the country. Solar energy can be utilized by installing solar panels on the rooftop of your building. Most energy providers have renewable energy options, but Greenchoice, Powerpeers, and Pure Energie specialize in renewable energy for households.

What are the top 10 energy suppliers in the Netherlands?

We choose them based on availability, costs, and energy levels. The table below lists the top 10 energy suppliers in the Netherlands. The monthly costs you’ll see are based on 1-year fixed contracts for 2,500 kWh of electricity and 1,000 m3 of gas if you explore rental homes in Amsterdam.

The best way to choose your energy supplier online is to compare the different providers. Consider things like costs, discounts, whether you want sustainable energy, and whether you want your electricity and gas from the same provider. Below are 5 important questions to answer when choosing your energy supplier in the Netherlands.

1. What’s your budget for utilities?

The biggest thing to consider is the price of energy. Energy prices in the Netherlands vary depending on the provider, the house and household size, and the type of energy contract. The best way to figure out your utility budget is to calculate your monthly living expenses to decide what portion of your salary can go towards bills. You can check out our guide to the cost of living in the Netherlands to get an idea of a monthly budget.

One thing to keep in mind is that your energy bill contains 2 types of costs: the amount of energy you use and the cost of using the network. You might receive a separate invoice for the cost of using the network from the network management (netbeheerder), but you generally pay both costs together via a direct debit or bank transfer.

2. What type of energy contract do you want?

Energy providers have varying rates, and many offer discounts depending on your energy contract type. There are 3 types of energy contracts in the Netherlands:

• fixed energy contract
• variable energy contract
• dynamic energy contract

A fixed energy contract (vast energiecontract) is an agreement with an energy provider for a set period, usually between 1 and 5 years. You agree to a flat energy rate that remains constant throughout the contract. Each year, the provider checks if you've used more or less energy than agreed. If you've used less, they refund the difference. If you've used more, you pay the extra. A major perk of a vast energiecontract is often a discounted rate. This type of contract is ideal for renters who plan to stay in the same place for at least a year.

A variable energy contract (variabel energiecontract) is an indefinite contract that can be canceled monthly. Your energy costs aren't fixed, so they can fluctuate each month. The advantage of this contract is its flexibility, allowing you to benefit from any energy price drops. However, in the last few years, energy prices in the Netherlands have been rising. Therefore, a variabel energiecontract is mostly beneficial if you plan to live in a house for less than a year.

A dynamic energy contract (dynamisch energiecontract) can be canceled monthly. Energy rates are determined hourly based on energy usage throughout the network. This contract lets you save money by monitoring rates and adjusting your consumption accordingly. For example, you can choose to run the washer and dishwasher after 10 PM when the electricity is cheaper.

3. Are there any early termination fees?

Yes, there are usually early termination fees if you want to cancel your energy contract before its end date. This is mostly the case if you have a fixed energy contract, as variable and dynamic contracts can be canceled monthly.

Generally, if you decide to end your contract early, energy providers will ask you to pay a portion of the remaining energy costs to cover the losses they’ll endure. Depending on the remaining length, the amount can vary. If your contract is prior to June 1, 2023, there is a cap to how much your provider can charge you:

• less than 18 months: €50
• 18 months to 2 years: €75
• 2 years and 2.5 years: €100
• more than 2.5 years: €125

4. Is the customer service/website available in English?

If you’re just starting to learn Dutch, it’s important to find an energy provider whose customer service is also available in English. This way, you can manage your bills more easily and get help when needed. Usually, they’re very accommodating to internationals and switch to English at the beginning of the call.

Unfortunately, most providers don’t have their websites or apps in English, but you can always use the translating tool on your browser.

5. Can you transfer your energy contract to a different address?

Yes, you can transfer your energy contract to a different address. Once you’ve signed the rental agreement for your new accommodation, you need to inform your energy provider about the chance. As you’re already registered with them, all you need to do is call them and make the change over the phone.

The Netherlands has several water providers. Your provider depends on the city you live in, as water suppliers are assigned to each Dutch city and can’t be chosen by the residents. That’s because the water in the Netherlands is public, and these providers are responsible for distributing it to households. Some of the water providers in the Netherlands include:

• Dunea in The Hague/Leiden
• PWN Waterleidingbedrijf in North-Holland
• Waternet in Amsterdam
• Evides in Rotterdam
• Vitens in Utrecht
• Brabant Water in Eindhoven and Breda
• Waterbedrijf in Groningen

Similarly to energy, your water bill is split into 2 costs: the cost of consumption and the cost of using the network. You pay these together by bank transfer or direct debit.

Tip: You don’t need to buy bottled water in the Netherlands, as Dutch tap water is drinkable and high-quality.

Knowing how to set up your utilities is essential when living in the Netherlands. Now that you’re familiar with the different water and energy providers in the Netherlands, the types of Dutch energy contracts, and the cost of utilities, you’re ready to choose the one that best suits you.