Powering your life in the Netherlands.

The basics: gas, electricity & water

In the Netherlands, utilities split into two categories: those you can choose and those you can't.

• Electricity & gas (free market): total freedom to choose your supplier. Contracts are person-bound, so if you move within the NL your contract moves with you — it doesn't stay with the house.
• Water (monopoly): you can't choose your water provider; it's set by region (e.g. Waternet in Amsterdam, Evides in Rotterdam). You simply register with the one assigned to your address.
• The "gas-free" trend: as of 2026 the Netherlands is rapidly phasing out gas. Most new-build homes (since 2018) are fully electric, often using heat pumps or district heating (stadsverwarming).

Understanding your bill

Dutch energy billing can be confusing for newcomers. Three terms to know:

• Termijnbedrag (monthly instalment): you pay a fixed estimate each month based on expected use.
• Jaarrekening (annual statement): once a year your supplier calculates your actual use. Used less than your instalments? You get money back. Used more? You pay the difference.
• Netbeheerkosten (grid costs): a fixed fee paid to the company maintaining the physical cables and pipes — the same regardless of which supplier you choose.

Choosing the right contract

Choosing a contract depends on your risk appetite.

Contract type	How it works	Best for
Dynamic	Rates change hourly (electricity) or daily (gas).	Tech-savvy users who can run appliances when prices are lowest.
Variable (Variabel)	Rates usually adjust twice a year (Jan / July).	Those who want the freedom to cancel anytime.
Fixed (Vast)	Rate is locked for 1–3 years.	People who want 100% certainty and no surprises.

Swapping suppliers

Most expats default to whatever the previous tenant had — usually the most expensive "model contract." Swapping is the most effective way to lower your monthly termijnbedrag.

The expat trap: many suppliers offer big welcome bonuses to sign you up, but these often come with hidden strings. Swapping at the wrong moment can trigger high early-termination fees (opzegboete) that wipe out your savings. A reminder before your contract ends helps you switch at the right time.