Electricity and gas costs expected to increase slightly next year

Households will pay slightly higher rates for electricity and gas next year. On Thursday, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) approved the network management fees for 2026. Netbeheer Nederland, the industry association, indicates that households and businesses connected to the regional electricity and gas networks can expect their bills to rise by an average of just over 3 percent.

For many households, this would translate to an increase of roughly 2 euros per month. The industry association notes that the rise differs depending on the network operator and the capacity of the connection.

Liander, the network operator for Noord-Holland, Gelderland, Friesland, and Flevoland, says household electricity rates will increase by about 5 percent, while gas rates will rise around 11 percent. For an average household with both gas and electricity, this amounts to an additional 4 euros per month in 2026 compared to 2025.

Next year, households served by Stedin that consume both gas and electricity will pay just over 751 euros in connection and transport fees. This represents a 2.5 percent increase, or about 1.50 euros per month. Stedin operates the network in areas including Utrecht, Zeeland, and much of Zuid-Holland.

Enexis says that for an average household using both electricity and gas, monthly costs will increase by up to 2 euros, or 2.8 percent. Households with only an electricity connection will see no change in their monthly fees. Enexis provides network services in Noord-Brabant, Limburg, Groningen, Overijssel, and Drenthe.

Large companies directly connected to TenneT’s high-voltage network will see their costs drop by roughly 10 to 12 percent. TenneT says households will benefit as well, with the TenneT portion of electricity bills for those on regional grids expected to fall by around 10 percent.

Households and businesses have no choice of network operator. That is why the ACM determines the rates annually. The regulator considers costs for maintenance and investments, such as expanding the heavily loaded electricity grid.