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 28 Feb 2025

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Renting

Are you moving to the Netherlands or to a new rental home and wondering how to set up your utilities? Choosing the right energy provider is crucial as it affects your monthly cost of living. In this guide, we will guide you through the different energy suppliers in the Netherlands, give you tips for choosing the best one, compare costs, and provide information on water services.

In the Netherlands, you can choose to have separate or combined electricity and gas providers. While some providers offer better rates for gas, others offer better prices for electricity. Often, combining your gas and electricity with the same provider can lead to cost savings.

To make the best decision for yourself, make an estimate of your energy needs. You can do that by looking at your current usage based on your latest energy bill. However, also keep in mind the size of the new rental home as that can also influence your needs.

How to pick energy providers in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, TenneT manages the high-voltage electricity grid and Gasunie manages the natural gas network. These companies maintain the infrastructure, while private energy suppliers provide gas and electricity for households and businesses.

The best way to pick an energy provider is to look at the contract duration, type of contract, sign-up discounts, cancellation policy, customer reviews, and price. Other factors you may want to consider include an user-friendly app, languages spoken by the customer support team, and where their energy comes from.

If you need help comparing the costs and plans, look for comparison websites, such as Pricewise, Independer or Energievergelijk. Using such comparison sites will let you see the best companies based on your energy usage, location, and current pricing.

What are the top energy suppliers in the Netherlands?

The 5 largest energy suppliers in the Netherlands are:

1. Vattenfall
2. Eneco
3. Budget Energie
4. Essent
5. 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.

There are 3 types of energy contracts in the Netherlands, fixed, variable or dynamic. Choose a contract that aligns with your risk tolerance and lifestyle. In general, fixed contracts offer stability, while variable and dynamic contracts provide flexibility and potential savings.

Here's some helpful information about the 3 types of energy contracts in the Netherlands:

• Fixed energy contract (vast energiecontract): These contracts offer a stable rate for a specified period, typically 1 to 3 years. This provides predictability but may not capitalize on price drops. 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.

• Variable rate contract (variabel energiecontract): Rates fluctuate with market prices, offering potential savings during price drops but also exposing you to increases. These contracts often have more flexibility in terms of cancellation. It is usually an indefinite contract that can be canceled monthly. It's ideal for renters who live in a house for less than a year.

• Dynamic rate contract (dynamisch energiecontract): Rates are determined hourly or daily, based on wholesale market prices. 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. This contract type can be canceled monthly.

How much you pay for your utility bills in the Netherlands will largely depend on the type of energy contract you pick. Each energy contract offers different pricing and often companies offer discounts for yearly contracts.

Below are 4 important things to consider when choosing your energy supplier in the Netherlands.

1. What’s your budget for utilities?

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 bills budget is to calculate your monthly living expenses and then 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.

Remember that your bill includes energy consumption and network usage costs (netbeheerkosten). Network costs are managed by your regional network operator. You'll generally pay both costs together via a direct debit or bank transfer. If you don't have a Dutch bank account yet, consider opening one to make payments easy to manage and track.

2. Are there any early termination fees?

Several energy providers have an early termination fee for ending fixed contracts prematurely. This is mostly the case if you have a fixed energy contract, as variable and dynamic contracts can be canceled monthly.

If you decide to end your contract early, energy providers will ask you to pay to cover the losses they’ll endure due to an early termination. Check with your provider how much you'll need to pay. But to give you an idea, it is generally calculated based on:

• The remaining energy consumption the customer would have used.
• The difference between the agreed-upon contract rate and the current market rate for a similar contract.

This way of caculating fees is new. Previously, there were set, fixed amounts for early termination fees, depending on the remaining contract duration. So if you have an old contract from before 2023, check with contract's terms and conditions.

3. 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.

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

Yes, you can transfer your energy contract to a different address. For example, if you move from The Hague to rental home in Amsterdam, you need to inform your energy provider about the change. As you’re already registered with them, all you need to do is call them and make the change over the phone.

Water services in the Netherlands are regional, meaning you cannot choose your provider. Water is considered a public utility, and providers are assigned to specific areas. 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

Similar to your energy bill, 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.