HOW TO ARRANGE YOUR ENERGY CONTRACT IN THE NETHERLANDS AS AN EXPAT

Moving to the Netherlands or switching homes? Whether you’re renting, buying or just here for a while, you’ll need to sort out your energy. No contract means no heating, no lights and basically no comfort. The tricky thing? Energy contracts in the Netherlands follow the person, not the address. So, you can take your contract with you when you move but you can’t leave it behind for someone else. One thing to keep an eye on is energy prices in the Netherlands. Prices can change depending on the time of year, the provider and the type of contract. Compare a few offers before you jump in. It can save you quite a bit in the long run.

Moving in for the first time

If it’s your first time living on your own, you’ll need to set up an energy contract from scratch. Make sure to give your supplier your new address at least two weeks before you move in. Without a contract, you can’t use any electricity or gas and sitting in the dark on your first night isn’t the best vibe. Not sure how long you’ll stay? Then don’t tie yourself down to a fixed contract. Go for a flexible or dynamic deal that you can cancel without extra costs. These options are especially helpful if you’re just testing the waters or unsure how long you’ll stay in your new home. Need help deciding? Doing an energy comparison in the Netherlands is a smart move. There are plenty of tools that show you the best options based on your location and usage. Whether you’re after green energy or just the lowest rate, there’s something for everyone.

Already have a contract? Take it with you.

If you’re already with a supplier, you can usually take your contract with you when you move. Just let them know at least two weeks in advance. One catch though if your new place doesn’t have a gas connection, you’ll need to switch to electricity only. Heads up: the day you get the keys to your new home, the energy contract should be active at that address. That applies whether it’s a rental or a home you’ve bought. You’ll also keep the contract at your old place until you officially hand over the keys. That means you might have energy contracts running at two places at the same time for a short while. Not ideal, but it happens.

Moving in together

If you’re moving in with someone, you’ll only need one contract between the two of you. If you’re moving into your partner’s home, cancel your own contract. If you’re moving to a new place together, pick which contract stays and which one goes. Just remember, cancelling a fixed contract early could come with a fee. Something to keep in mind before making the switch.

Second homes and vacation rentals

Got a second home or planning to rent one out? You can’t use one contract for both properties. You’ll need a separate contract for each address. Most landlords let tenants arrange their own energy, but you can also include it in the rent if you prefer. If it’s a vacation home, things work a bit differently. Many holiday parks include energy in their service costs, especially for gas or heating. But if your vacation home has its own power connection, you’ll need to arrange a separate contract usually just for electricity.

Leaving the Netherlands

If you’re moving abroad, you’ll have to cancel your Dutch energy contract. Suppliers here only cover Dutch addresses. Some companies charge a cancellation fee, but others make an exception if you’re leaving the country. Always worth checking the fine print.