1.7 million households in the Netherlands consider switching energy supplier

More and more households are looking to change their energy provider, according to the National Benchmark Energy Suppliers by research agency Multiscope. The study estimates that around 1.7 million households are considering making the switch.

In the previous year, 1.3 million households planned to switch providers, compared with 1.1 million in 2024. Cost remains the main driver for most consumers, influencing 55 percent of decisions. Meanwhile, 24 percent say they switch energy suppliers when presented with a promotional offer, the data shows.

Energy prices have surged in recent weeks as a result of the Iran conflict. A recent survey by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) shows that an average household entering a new annual contract now pays nearly 400 euros more per year than just a month earlier. This price increase may be prompting more consumers to shop around for cheaper energy providers.

Multiscope also notes a significant drop in customer loyalty toward existing energy suppliers. According to the research, only 51 percent of Oxxio customers plan to remain with the company. At Energiedirect, retention intentions are only marginally higher, at 58 percent.

The findings from Multiscope align with earlier signals from the Consumers’ Association (Consumentenbond), which last month reported a rise in traffic to pages about energy contracts and pricing.

In particular, visits to its comparison page for energy suppliers increased by over 70 percent in the first half of March compared with late February. The comparison website Overstappen.nl also saw higher traffic, reflecting growing interest in switching energy providers.