Dutch variable energy bills to rise more than 10% in some cases starting July 1
Energy prices for Dutch households on variable contracts will rise starting July, with many consumers facing higher bills just as broader energy market uncertainty persists, NU.nl reports. About 37 percent of households in the Netherlands hold variable energy contracts, according to the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Most of these contracts adjust tariffs on July 1. This year, those tariffs are in some cases more than 10 percent higher than earlier in 2026.
The increase is linked in part to higher energy prices following the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global energy supplies.
Energy market experts issued the advice even as the U.S. and Iran have negotiated a ceasefire, opening up the critical transport routes in the Straight of Hormuz. The agreement remains provisional, even after 18-hour talks between the two countries this past weekend. They hope to reach a concrete deal by mid-August, but major issues like Iran’s nuclear program remain amid ongoing mistrust between the countries’ leadership.
In the meantime, market conditions remain unstable heading into the winter, particularly for gas. Energy experts say the timing makes it important for consumers to reassess their contracts. Tom Schuitemaker, an energy expert at comparison site Pricewise, told NU.nl: “For many people, until July 1 it did not necessarily feel urgent to switch a variable contract to a fixed or dynamic contract. But that necessity may now exist, because many households will face a price increase.”
Fixed contracts have also become more expensive recently, according to Geert Wirken, director of comparison site Keuze.nl. Still, he said locking in prices may now be more attractive than remaining on a variable plan, partly because suppliers often offer discounts or cashback for fixed contracts.
Household gas consumption rises significantly during colder months, making potential price spikes more impactful this winter. Schuitemaker said gas pricing remains particularly unpredictable. He said, "With a dynamic electricity contract, the price changes every 15 minutes or hour. That means there are usually cheaper moments every day. With gas, your only option is to turn the heating completely off if the price is extremely high that day.” Wirken also advised that, “If you really want certainty, I would at least fix the gas contract.”
Electricity usage is generally easier to shift than gas consumption, experts said. Appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or electric vehicle charging can be scheduled for cheaper hours, while heating demand is largely weather-driven.
A dynamic electricity contract may therefore benefit households that can actively regulate usage. However, Schuitemaker warned it is not suitable for everyone, saying, "Dynamic is really for the customer who understands what they are doing and actively manages their energy consumption.” He added that households with solar panels face additional risks, particularly when exporting electricity during low or even negative price periods.
Starting January 1, 2027, the Netherlands will end the net metering scheme. After that, exported solar power can no longer be offset against consumed electricity, reducing the financial benefit of solar exports. Schuitemaker said compensation for exported electricity under fixed contracts may drop to “1 cent or less per returned kilowatt-hour.” He added, “Solar power you use immediately does not need to be purchased.”
Wirken said some suppliers have already reduced export costs, and in some cases households can receive a net payment of 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour exported. Despite that, experts say self-consumption remains the most financially efficient option.
