Household gas prices rise by 40 to 50 cents per cubic metre

Higher energy rates could add hundreds of euros to annual bills, but the impact depends on your contract and consumption.

Household gas prices in the Netherlands are around 40 to 50 cents per cubic metre higher than a year ago. The increase comes as autumn temperatures fall and households turn their heating back on. However, the effect on each bill depends on the contract and gas use.

Tom Schuitemaker, a representative of Pricewise, a Dutch price comparison service, estimated the extra cost for a household using 1,000 cubic metres annually. At that consumption level, the additional gas cost could reach about €500 a year. Schuitemaker also estimated another €250 annually for electricity.

The increase features in coverage by NOS, the Dutch public broadcaster. Meanwhile, energy comparison services are seeing more interest in fixed-price contracts.

Schuitemaker said: “Tel daar voor stroom nog 250 bij op, dan gaat het heel hard.” His comment means that adding another €250 for electricity makes the extra cost mount quickly.

These figures are estimates, rather than a bill increase for every household. For example, someone with a fixed contract may still pay an older agreed rate. A household using less gas will also face a smaller increase from the same price change.

How the higher rate affects your bill

A price rise per cubic metre can look small beside a monthly payment. However, it adds up across a full year of gas use. At 1,000 cubic metres, an extra 40 cents means €400 more in gas costs.

At 50 cents, the same calculation gives €500. By comparison, a household using 500 cubic metres would face €200 to €250 more. These calculations assume the higher rate applies to all that gas use.

The electricity estimate needs a separate check against your own consumption and tariff. In particular, the supplied figures do not establish a €250 increase for every customer.

Compare the actual unit rates and expected yearly cost, rather than the monthly payment alone.

Why some longer contracts cost less

The report links higher gas prices to war in the Middle East.

Some multiyear fixed contracts are now slightly cheaper than one-year deals. Expected growth in liquefied natural gas supplies in coming years helps explain that difference. Still, an expectation of more supply is not a promise that household prices will fall.

A fixed contract sets the agreed energy rate for a set period. In contrast, a variable contract lets the supplier change rates periodically. With a dynamic contract, prices change daily or even hourly.

Each option offers a different degree of price certainty. However, a longer fixed deal also means a longer commitment. A small saving on the quoted rate may not justify that commitment for every household.

What this means for people living in the Netherlands

Start with your current contract, latest annual statement and supplier account. Check when your contract ends and how much gas you used last year. Then compare offers using that consumption figure, rather than a comparison site’s default household estimate.

If you rent, first check who holds the energy contract.

Before accepting a new deal, check its full yearly cost. Include fixed supply charges and any conditions attached to discounts. Also ask your current supplier whether ending a fixed contract early would bring a cancellation charge.

The report gives no universal switching deadline, so use your own contract’s end date.

If payments become difficult, contact your supplier early about payment options. Do not assume the quoted estimates, totalling €750, will match your bill.

What to watch next

For now, households can compare their current tariff with new offers. Those nearing a contract’s end should check the replacement rate before it starts. Meanwhile, customers with an existing fixed deal should confirm how long their agreed rate lasts.

Keep a record of meter readings and review your supplier’s consumption estimate. If your household’s energy use has changed, an old estimate may no longer fit. The most useful comparison is the yearly cost for your own home, under the terms you can actually choose.