Energy Companies in the Netherlands: A Complete List & Guide

July 2, 2024 | Utility Direct

Are you new to the Netherlands and overwhelmed by the choice for an energy company? We would love to guide you as an expat in the Netherlands, with a full list of all energy companies in the Netherlands. But we want to take it a step further and give tips and tricks to help you choose. Or if it is too intimidating, Utility Direct is here to help.

Understanding the energy market in the Netherlands

The first step is to get an idea of how the energy market in the Netherlands is set up. So let’s talk about the Dutch energy market in general at first. It’s liberalized, which means you can choose the energy companies for gas and electricity yourself. In most cases that is, there are some exceptions. For example, sometimes houses are connected to a central heat net, and then you are stuck to the supplier that hosts that net.

But in general you have freedom of choice, which drives competition and helps stimulate lower prices for energy companies in Holland.

Which types of energy contracts in the Netherlands are there?

Usually, the contract you choose is either a year, or you can choose a contract with a longer term. The energy prices then, are set for the full period of that contract. Which can be beneficial, especially when prices rise during the contract period.

Decisions on energy contracts can be a difficult decision to make, because the energy market – especially nowadays with the war in Ukraine and other uncertainties – fluctuates a lot. Therefore, it might be a good idea to call in experts to help you with your choice, because they know the market in and outs.

Detailed overview of the different types of energy contracts

In the Netherlands, the energy market offers a variety of contract types to suit different needs and preferences when it comes to electricity and gas. Here are the main types of energy contracts available:

Fixed-rate contracts:

Description: The price for either gas or electricity if fixed during the whole duration of your contract. The contracts vary from 1 to 5 years.
When should you choose a fixed conract?: If you want certainty and want to avoid surprises, this is the contract for you. It can be a good choice for homeowners or people who rent long-term. For example, when something happens such as the war in Ukraine did, you will not be affected by huge price increases during the period of your fixed contract.

Variable-rate contracts:

Description: The price can vary during your contract. Mostly based on market conditions. Usually these changes would only take place every other year, but since the war in Ukraine a lot of energy companies have changed prices more often.
Suitable for: People who can withstand fluctuations in prices and might benefit from decreases in energy prices. You will have to keep a closer eye on your contract and try to switch to a cheaper supplier whenever you can. It takes a bit of more work, but if you’re up for the task can definitely be worth it.

Green energy contracts:

Description: Energy companies who provide green energy contracts, make sure that their energy is generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or biomass.
Who is it best for: Environmentally conscious homeowners or renters who want to support and encourage the growth of renewable energy.

Dual fuel contracts:

Description: These contracts bundle both electricity and gas from the same supplier, often at a discounted rate compared to purchasing each separately.
Best for: Are you looking for convenience? Then this is the contract for you. You can manage your utilities at one company, you will only have to arrange the contract(s) with one company. You can check your energy usage and cost all in one place. Can especially be beneficial for larger families or people who use quite a lot of energy.

Prepaid energy contracts:

Description: Consumers pay for their energy usage in advance. This is not very common in the Netherlands but can be found with some providers.
Choose this contract when: You are an individual who wishes to closely manage your budget and energy consumption, paying ahead of time and you want to avoid surprises in monthly bills.

What else is important when choosing energy contracts in the Netherlands?

When choosing an energy contract, it’s important to consider your personal or household energy consumption habits, how long you plan to stay in your current residence, your financial flexibility, and your personal values, such as environmental impact.

The most important choice to make is whether you prefer a flexible or fixed contract. With a flexible contract, the supplier can lower or increase the prices during your contract. In some specific cases, this might be more beneficial for you as a tenant or homeowner.

Things you need to think about before choosing an energy company:

How long will you be living in the home that you are setting up energy contracts for?
What is important for you: price, sustainability?
What is your financial situation? Do you have enough savings to cope with fluctuations in prices?

One final note: do you have solar panels? Some suppliers charge extra if you do. So that is something you might want to check out, if you have solar panels. Because it can be a difference of tens or even hundreds of euro’s.

In the Netherlands, if you have solar panels, and you generate more energy than you use, you can sell that electricity to your energy provider. However, some companies are now charging money for people with solar panels. The reason is that the energy net is too crowded and the costs have increased significantly as a result.

These are energy companies charging extra for people with solar panels:

Eneco
Vandebron
Budget Energie
Vrijopnaam
OM Nieuwe Energie
Energie VanOns
Gewoon Energie
Innova Energie
Mega Energie

Which energy companies are there in the Netherlands?

You have either gas companies or electricity companies that you will have to connect when you just moved to the Netherlands as an expat. Here is an overview of the most common energy companies in the Netherlands.

Gas companies in the Netherlands

Essent – One of the largest energy companies in the Netherlands, offering both gas and electricity.
Eneco – Known for its commitment to sustainability, Eneco provides various green energy options.
Vattenfall (formerly Nuon) – A major provider offering competitive rates and a range of energy solutions.
Oxxio – Offers competitive pricing and is known for its user-friendly online management tools.
Energiedirect.nl – Known for its straightforward, no-frills energy supply at competitive prices.
Pure Energie – Markets itself as one of the greenest energy suppliers, offering 100% renewable energy.
Budget Energie – Provides straightforward energy services often at lower costs.
Greenchoice – Dedicated to sustainability, offering 100% green energy from renewable sources.
ENGIE – Focuses on personalized energy solutions and sustainability.
Delta Energie – Offers a mix of traditional and green energy, focusing on customer service.
Qurrent (now part of Greenchoice) – Known for its renewable energy options and initiatives.
Frank Energie. Has a lot of green options as well.
Coolblue. Coolblue is a well-known Dutch company that started out as seller of consumer electronics, but is slowly diverging into different markets, such as the Energy market.
Mega. Less-known, and not known for durability.
United consumers. Known for their good service towards customers. They are a consumer collective, and because of buying in bulk they can offer big discounts.
Vandebron. Main focus is sustainability, a very green provider. They want to help you use energy smartly and move towards 100% sustainable energy.
OM | Nieuwe Energie. They claim to be the ‘greenest energy collective’ in the Netherlands. They have only 100% green energy.
Vrijopnaam. They deliver 100% compensated gas for the lowest price.
Innova energie. They have been growing the past 10 years, and want to make things as easy as possible.
Gewoon Energie. They ‘just give you energy’. For a good price, no hassle.

These are some of the best and most known companies providing gas in the Netherlands. A lot of them can also provide electricity contracts. Sometimes it can be beneficial to arrange both at the same company.

These suppliers offer a variety of plans and services, including fixed and variable rates, and many provide additional services like smart thermostats and energy audits to help manage and reduce consumption. When choosing a provider, consider your energy needs, budget, and values, particularly concerning sustainability and customer service.

Need help choosing the right energy company?

Utility comparison services can help expatriates understand and navigate these options to find the best fit for their specific situation. Request free advice here.

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