How to set up your utilities in the Netherlands (in English!) with PartnerPete

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Setting up your water, electricity, and other utilities in the Netherlands can be stressful enough to pull your hair out. There are so many providers and different rules and regulations that make the process a lot more confusing. 

Throw in the language barrier, and you may be tempted to stay sitting in a freezing, dark room with no water — not quite the Dutch dream. 

Luckily, there is a way to skip the stress and sign up for all of your Dutch utilities in English. PartnerPete lets you find and research all of the major Dutch utility companies, compare prices and then sign up for the one that suits your needs best.

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Arranging your utilities has never been easier! Image: Depositphotos

Even better, this service is completely free. That’s a lifesaver for new expats!

What’s the deal with PartnerPete?

PartnerPete can arrange more than utilities for your Dutch home. If you need that mandatory health insurance, a mobile phone subscription, life insurance, car insurance, or even a Dutch bank account, you can get that all in one place.

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Say goodbye to stressful appointments and endless phone calls. Image: Depositphotos

They can sort out all the confusing Dutch necessities upon arrival. It saves you from running around to dozens of suppliers and signing contracts in Dutch without knowing exactly what everything says. 

PartnerPete works with a carefully selected group of suppliers that best suit the needs of expats. The company works with a wide range of providers. Whether you prioritise flexibility, the lowest rate or outstanding service, PartnerPete can find you the perfect fit. Get a quote from them on a potential contract.

Hooking you up in English

In as little as three days and an average of five, PartnerPete can have all of your utilities fully connected. You get access to the same supplier rates and special offers as if you had organised the utilities. All with no extra charge, but that English service that you need.

Fill in your details in this form to get in touch with PartnerPete, and someone will give you a call. They’ll walk you through the process, and you can ask as many questions about utilities in the Netherlands as you like.

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Setting up utilities in the Netherlands has never been so easy and straightforward. Image: Freepik

You don’t have to commit to anything, but if you do, your new home will be cosy and warm, with lights and water in as little as three days. Moving has never been so stress-free (if only they carried your couch up those Dutch stairs too)!

What is the average cost of utilities in the Netherlands?

If you’re wondering how much water, electricity, and more will pull from your wallet each month, PartnerPete can give you a tailored quote. On average, here’s what you can expect to pay for basic utilities in the Netherlands.

Gas and Electricity

Having energy in your new home will likely be one of the biggest utility expenses depending on your usage. For example, an international living alone in Amsterdam could pay as high as €1,500 a year.

Water

You can expect to pay for your water bill in the Netherlands in two parts: how much water you use and a tax for services like maintenance.

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PartnerPete will walk you through all of your questions in one easy call. Image: Pexels

The tax will depend on how many you live with and whether you own your home or rent. For water usage, you can budget around €150 a year per person.

What else can PartnerPete do for you?

Getting your water running and keeping your lights on aren’t the only services PartnerPete offers. Check the PartnerPete website to find many other services they can help you with, including insurance and phone plans.

READ MORE | 10 dang smart ways to save on energy costs in the Netherlands

Why fish through an ocean of websites and companies when PartnerPete can do the fishing for you? If you want to get things sorted quickly, you’ll be happy to hear that you can get utilities sorted out online in just a few minutes, right here.

Green energy

For instance, if you’re climate-conscious and prefer to have all your utilities green, PartnerPete can organise that for you. As the country of windmills, about 15% of the energy in the Netherlands comes from wind power as of 2021. Most electricity comes from natural gas (47%), coal (14%), and solar (10%).

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The good old Dutch windmills provide some green energy to the nation. Image: Unsplash

This can make organising your own green energy quite a hassle since not all energy companies can offer you the greenest option. The team at PartnerPete are a big fan of keeping things green. They’re happy to set you up with a green energy provider in the Netherlands.

Internet providers

We can work in the dark and layer up in the cold, but nobody can live without the internet! PartnerPete can help you sort through all the internet providers and choose the one that works best for you.

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You’ll get the best internet package for you! Image: Depositphotos

Flexible contracts are available, perfect for expats, and you can choose between internet-only or internet and TV bundles. Whatever your preference, the team at PartnerPete can tailor options for you!

READ NEXT | Internet speed in the Netherlands: what you need to know

Mobile phones

Cell coverage in the Netherlands tends to be pretty good, regardless of where you are in the country (one advantage to having no hills!).

Still, some providers have more hot spots than others, so choosing a mobile operation in the Netherlands can be quite challenging. 

For example, combining a mobile plan with an internet bundle can save you money but comes with more long-term commitment. Calculating the gigabytes and call hours can make choosing a provider quite the headache if you need something short and flexible.

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You’ll find the right mobile subscription in no time! Image: Depositphotos

But there’s no need to worry with PartnerPete! They can quickly suggest the best options for your situation.


PartnerPete offers a simple but essential service to anyone new to the Netherlands. Setting up your utilities doesn’t get easier than this!

How did you find setting up your utilities in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2021 and was fully updated in June 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Feature Image:Unsplash
Emily Burger
Emily Burger
Emily grew up in South Africa but has also lived in Egypt, the UK, Canada and now the Netherlands. She first came here for her Bachelors in Arts and Culture at Maastricht University and soon fell in love with the land of canals, clogs and cheese. When she's not daydreaming about sci-fi movies or countries yet to explore, you can find her writing for DutchReview.

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