Energy supplier Essent to raise variable tariffs, increasing monthly costs for consumers

Dutch energy company Essent will raise its variable electricity and natural gas tariffs starting July 1, 2026, warning that consumers may be facing what it describes as a “double taxation” effect on energy bills, the company reports. Essent supplies electricity and gas to about 2.5 million households, neighborhoods, and businesses across the Netherlands.

The new variable electricity tariff will be 0.2691 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the gas tariff will be 1.3895 euros per cubic meter. This means that, compared with the period right before, electricity prices rise by 13.0 percent and gas prices by 13.4 percent.

Essent linked the latest increase to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, which it said has pushed up wholesale gas prices and, in turn, electricity costs.

Despite the increases, Essent said prices remain broadly stable when viewed over a longer period. The company noted that after three consecutive quarters of tariff reductions, current electricity and gas rates are still close to the level of a year ago and are slightly lower overall compared with last year.

The company also reported that it is investing in energy transition technologies such as hydrogen, modular district heating networks, and battery storage systems. Essent is part of E.ON, one of Europe’s largest energy companies.

Consumers with variable contracts will receive direct notification about the new rates. Essent said customers seeking greater price certainty can switch to fixed-rate contracts at any time.

It also advised households to review their contracts, compare alternative offers, and consider energy-saving measures.