Energy network charges to rise 19% next year, regulator says

Next year, Dutch households can expect an average increase of €141 on their electricity and gas bills, a 19% rise according to a preliminary forecast from the consumer and markets regulator ACM. This increase applies to fixed network charges, which are embedded in every energy bill and cannot be avoided by switching energy providers.

The additional charge adds €89 to the electricity component and €52 to the gas component, equating to roughly €12 per month. Network charges will account for about 28% of the average household energy bill in 2027.

The rise in charges varies by network operator. Liander, serving Amsterdam, North Holland, and Gelderland, will raise electricity tariffs by 23%. Stedin, covering Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, and Enexis, which serves the south and east, are both increasing their charges by 17%. To meet future demands, network operators estimate a need for around €235 billion in grid investments over the next 15 years to accommodate new housing, offshore wind farms, and electrified industries.

Approximately 15,000 businesses, homes, schools, and other buildings remain without a connection. Liander finance director Walter Bien stated that while the investment cost is significant, the alternative is more expensive.

The rise in network charges is partly due to a new five-year regulatory period, which allows operators to pass on investment costs more swiftly and recover cost overruns from the previous five years. Network congestion costs the economy an estimated €10 billion to €40 billion annually. Climate minister Stientje van Veldhoven acknowledged the households' concern but emphasized that transitioning away from fossil fuels is necessary.

Energy remains affordable for most people on average, and an emergency fund for those struggling to pay energy bills will be reinstated this winter. The ACM will finalize the 2027 tariffs in December. The final tariffs for 2029 are expected to shift to a new system where heavy users pay more, and the time of day when electricity is used also matters.

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