5 things we wish we knew about utilities in the Netherlands

You’ve braved the Dutch housing market and secured your dream home, and now it’s finally time to settle in and relax. But what about utilities? 

Whether you’re moving to the Netherlands for the first time or simply moving to a new house, utilities are often the one element of our homes that we take for granted. 

So, here are the five things we wish we knew about utilities in the Netherlands — and how you can make the smartest choices when it comes to setting them up!

READ MORE | Gas, electricity, water and more: the ultimate guide to utilities in the Netherlands

1. Prices are determined by where you live in the Netherlands

One thing that’s less leuk when setting up your utilities in the Netherlands is that your Netflix binging can be more or less expensive depending on where in the country you live.

And for once, it isn’t the big, bad tech company that’s tracking you down, but the Dutch internet providers. 😝

In the Netherlands, where you live determines which internet connection is available to you (DSL, cable, or fibre).

This, in turn, determines the price of your internet! For example, cable and fibre are more expensive than DSL, and while fibre provides great connection, it’s only available to around 40% of Dutch homes at the moment. 

2. The type of monitor you choose will affect your energy prices

The Dutch love a korting, and that’s no different when it comes to utilities.

In the Netherlands, you can save on your energy by using power at “off-peak hours,” meaning you might want to charge your devices at night, do laundry on the weekend, and save the extra-long warm showers for the public holidays (though please also shower in between!). 

However, to make use of the reduced night, weekend, and public holiday rates, you’ll need a smart meter. 🤓🌱 This is a special monitor that tracks the exact amount of energy you use, ensuring that you’re not paying unnecessarily high costs for your power.

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

The alternative is to have a traditional monitor. However, that’s no longer compatible with the off-peak hours discount — and that’ll show on your energy bill.  

3. You can file complaints!

In the Netherlands, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ASM) works to ensure fair competition and protect the interest of consumers.

As there isn’t much natural competition in the energy sector, ASM sets additional rules to make energy in the Netherlands affordable as well as to secure its availability and quality. 🙌

However, if you are unsatisfied with your meter reading, then this is what you can do:

Inform your provider as soon as possible so that they can contact the netbeheerder (regional power network operator), who will look into the matter. 
If you don’t agree with the netbeheerder about the correct meter reading, you can contact the Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards (De Geschillencommissie). They handle complaints about both the netbeheerder and your energy supplier;
The Geschillencommissie will provide arbitrage and give a piece of binding advice (a.k.a a non-appealable ruling that you and the supplier or netbeheerder must both comply with).

To put it simply, always contact your supplier first thing and try to work it out with them and the netbeheerder. Only if that doesn’t work should you file a dispute with the Geschillencommissie.

Also, note that the Geschillencommissie charges a fee for their services.

4. Energy providers can fine you if you want to end your contract

The energy market in the Netherlands is privatised, meaning you’re free to pick and choose — and switch — energy suppliers as you like.

This also means that, with more than 45 Dutch suppliers to choose from, there are also many different kinds of contracts, rates, and conditions for you to consider (fun! 😅). 

However, if there’s one thing we wish we’d known about switching energy suppliers, it’s that they can charge you for doing so.

Even though you’re free to change energy provider at any time you wish, you are still bound to your initial contract until it legally expires.

So, if you have a fixed-term contract (which gives you a set rate for a period of usually six months to three years), you cannot change suppliers before that period ends — unless you pay a fine. 

READ MORE | To switch or not to switch: here’s how changing energy contracts can save you money

Initially, the fine would cost you between €50 and €124 per product (electricity and/or gas), but new laws mean there isn’t a fixed amount for this termination fine.

5. It can take up to a month to set up your internet

Yup, you read that right. Setting up your internet in the Netherlands can be a bit of a process, so make sure you get it sorted out as soon as possible. In some cases, it may take up to a month before you’re completely hooked up.

And since being without internet in this day and age is the equivalent of not being at all (an exaggeration perhaps, but how will you brag about finding a place to live if you don’t have WiFi?), you may want to find alternative ways to get connected. 

So, before you sit down to relax in your new Dutch dream home, make sure you’ve made the best choices when it comes to the basics.

What is something you wish you’d known about utilities in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

This article was originally published in October 2021, and was fully updated in December 2023 for your reading pleasure.