Dutch gas and electricity prices drop, households could see lower winter bills
Energy experts say Dutch households may pay less for heating this winter as natural gas and electricity prices continue to decline, NU.nl reports. After months of volatility, tariffs are expected to remain mild, making fixed-rate contracts more attractive.
Natural gas, which peaked at nearly 60 euros per megawatt hour in February, has fallen by almost half, easing household energy bills. “There was a lot of uncertainty earlier this year, and you could see that in the trading markets,” said Peter van Ees, an energy banker at ABN AMRO. “Things have calmed down a bit now.”
Van Ees expects prices to stay relatively stable and urged consumers to look for discounts. “Energy suppliers are offering hundreds of euros for new contracts. It’s worth calling your supplier for a better price. Competition is high, and there’s a good chance you’ll get a better deal for your gas and electricity.”
Energy comparison website Gaslicht.com reported more households switching providers this week. Pricewise and Independer are offering additional fall savings tips. Both receive compensation from suppliers for facilitating new contracts. The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) plans to review energy billing practices this month.
Consumers sticking with their current supplier may still benefit from negotiating rates. “You can just call your supplier and ask for a better price,” Van Ees said, noting the high level of competition among energy companies.
Some experts warn the market remains fragile. “Earlier this week, the international gas price suddenly rose again,” said Martien Visser, energy expert and emeritus lecturer. “That shows how unstable the market still is.”
Visser said long-term fixed contracts are essentially a gamble on a harsh winter. “You’re betting that we’ll have a cold winter and prices will spike. If the winter turns out mild, you’ll likely overpay.”
External crises could also push prices up. “In uncertain times, countries start hoarding energy, as happened earlier this year,” he said. The Netherlands is more vulnerable to such swings since halting Groningen gas production. Still, Visser said, “The odds are higher that prices will improve rather than worsen this winter.”
Energy consumption rises in the colder months while solar production drops, typically increasing prices. Standard contract holders feel this effect less immediately. Dynamic contracts—where electricity prices change hourly or every 15 minutes—allow households to shift usage to cheaper times. Home batteries and smart devices can help households wait for lower rates.
Variable contracts, adjusting quarterly or semiannually, remain attractive for their flexibility. “They offer enough stability and a bit of flexibility as well,” Visser said.
Van Ees added households with variable-rate plans need not rush into fixed contracts this fall. Most savings come from reducing consumption. Since 2020, Dutch households have cut natural gas use by about a quarter. “We’re all slowly becoming energy experts,” he said.
