Household energy bills fall 2.5 percent to around €1,993 in 2026

Energy costs for households have declined modestly this year. The average bill for gas and electricity comes to 1,993 euros, which is 52 euros lower than in 2025, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands.

The estimates from Statistics Netherlands rely on energy prices recorded in January 2026. On that basis, households are expected to spend 2.5 percent less than a year earlier. According to the agency, the decrease is mainly due to lower projected gas usage and reduced variable supply rates for gas and electricity, although the tax on gas will be higher than in 2025.

Energy costs differ significantly between households, largely due to variations in usage. Factors such as heating habits, the level of insulation, and household size all play a role. On average, households in predominantly electric homes spend 1,020 euros a year, while 2 or more residents in a detached, mainly gas-heated house face annual costs of about 3,370 euros.

Some households face higher energy costs next year as the net metering scheme for solar panel owners comes to an end. The system currently allows them to deduct the power they produce from their total energy use. Estimates from Independer suggest that households with solar panels will see their annual bills increase by 180 euros to 470 euros.

In sunny periods, particularly in summer, households often generate more power than they use and supply the surplus to the electricity grid. Because net metering creates additional costs for energy suppliers, these companies pass some of those costs on through higher general tariffs. Although the policy was designed to promote investment in solar panels, the government determined that it put households without panels at a disadvantage and opted to end the scheme in 2027.