When you move into a new home in the Netherlands, you will need to arrange two essential services:
Many homes now rely solely on electricity, so you may or may not need gas, but you will still need to sign a contract with an energy provider. In contrast, you have no choice when it comes to water; each region is served by a specific water company, and you must contract with the one operating in your area.
It’s not mandatory to have your utilities fully set up on the exact day you move in. Water and electricity typically continue to flow when you take possession of the property, and you can finalize your contracts within a few weeks. You’ll then be billed for the period starting from your move-in date. Still, it’s best to handle these arrangements as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Sometimes, utilities are included in your rent. In that case, there’s no need to set them up separately.
In the Netherlands, every home has separate meters for gas, electricity, and water. These meters record exactly how much you consume. These numbers will vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, and your daily habits.
Rather than charging you each month for the exact amount you used, most utility companies estimate your annual consumption and then divide that total into fixed monthly installments.
Let’s say your annual electricity consumption is estimated at 2,400 kWh, and the supplier calculates this will cost about €1,200 for the year. Instead of asking you to pay more in winter when you might use more lighting and heating appliances, and less in summer, they’ll just charge you €100 every month throughout the year. The same logic applies to gas and water.
Once a year, your supplier will ask you to submit your current meter readings, or they’ll send someone to read them if you haven’t got a smart meter. After collecting the real numbers from your meters, they compare these with their estimates. This is where the final annual bill (jaarafrekening) comes into play.
Imagine that over the past year, you’ve actually only used 2,000 kWh of electricity instead of the estimated 2,400 kWh. Since they’ve been charging you as if you used 2,400 kWh, you’ve essentially overpaid. The year-end calculation would show that you paid €1,200 over the year, but based on your actual usage of 2,000 kWh, you should have only paid about €1,000. The supplier then refunds you the €200 difference.
On the other hand, if you ended up using more than they estimated—say, 2,600 kWh—then you’ve underpaid. You paid €1,200 total over the year, but based on 2,600 kWh, you should have paid closer to €1,300. In this case, you’d owe an extra €100.
The same principle applies to gas and water. If you’ve had a very cold winter and used the heating system more than normal, your gas usage might be higher than the estimate, leading to an extra payment at year’s end. If you were away on holiday for several weeks and ended up using less water than anticipated, you might get a small refund.
This system of estimated monthly payments followed by an annual reconciliation might seem unusual if you’re from a country where you pay only for what you use each month. However, it helps smooth out seasonal fluctuations and avoids the shock of very high bills in certain months. It also means you can budget more easily, knowing that you’ll pay roughly the same amount every month. Then, once a year, you settle up: if you were efficient and used less than expected, you get money back; if you consumed more, you pay a bit extra.
The amount you pay for energy — whether for gas, electricity, or both —covers several components. First, there’s the actual cost of the energy itself. Your provider purchases electricity and gas from the wholesale market, and the price they charge you reflects both these market costs and their operational expenses. On top of that, there are government-imposed taxes and surcharges, as well as a small fee for maintaining the energy network, ensuring that electricity and gas reach your home reliably.
Electricity rates are often expressed in cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Depending on market conditions and your chosen contract, you might pay anywhere from around €0.20 to €0.40 per kWh, though prices can fluctuate. Gas is typically charged in cents per cubic meter (m³). These rates vary even more, depending on wholesale market changes and whether you have a fixed or variable contract. For example, if your fixed contract sets gas at around €1.50 per m³, that rate stays the same for the duration of your contract, protecting you from sudden price hikes. A variable contract, on the other hand, could lead to prices falling below €1.00 per m³ if market conditions improve—though they could also rise if demand spikes or supply is limited.
You’ll also see an energy tax and a renewable energy surcharge (ODE) on your bill. These government-imposed charges are used to fund sustainable energy projects and to encourage energy efficiency. While they add to your total costs, they’re applied fairly consistently across all suppliers, so you won’t save money by switching providers just to reduce taxes.
On top of this, there’s a standing charge or fixed fee, usually a few euros per month, covering administrative costs, billing, and customer support. This fee doesn’t depend on how much energy you use; think of it as the base cost of being connected to the grid. The grid operator also charges a small amount for maintaining the physical infrastructure—poles, wires, gas pipes, and substations—that ensure the energy is delivered to your home.
To get a clearer picture of your potential monthly costs, consider your home’s size, the number of occupants, energy label and the season. A family of four living in a medium-sized house might spend between €150 and €250 per month on gas and electricity combined, assuming average usage and moderate market prices. A single person in a smaller apartment with no gas connection might pay closer to €50 to €100 per month for electricity alone.
Keep in mind that energy prices can change over time, influenced by global events, weather conditions, and shifts in supply and demand. A fixed contract offers stability — your unit price stays the same for the contract period — while a variable contract could allow you to benefit if prices drop, though it also exposes you to the risk of sudden increases.
To get an estimate of your potential costs, download Uprent’s browser extension (if you haven’t already). Our formula considers factors like the home’s energy label and size to calculate the expected monthly energy bill for you.
In the Dutch market, you’ll find many energy companies to choose from. Uprent has had positive experiences with several, including Vattenfall, Budget Energie, EnergieDirect, Engie, and Essent. Each has its own pricing structure and contract options. For example, Uprent’s CEO uses Vattenfall.
It’s also smart to shop around and check comparison tools like Energievergelijk. Using a comparison website, you can filter by contract length, percentage of green energy, or price per unit, allowing you to find a deal that aligns with your preferences.
When evaluating your options, pay attention not only to the price per kWh or m³, but also to the type of contract and any associated terms. There are generally two main types of contracts: fixed and flexible.
A fixed contract locks in your rates for a set period — often one or two years — shielding you from market fluctuations. This is a good choice if you prefer financial predictability and want to avoid unexpected hikes. However, if the wholesale price of energy falls, you’ll miss out on potential savings since your rate is locked in. Another aspect to consider is the contract termination rules. Most suppliers charge an early termination fee if you decide to switch providers before your contract ends.
A flexible (or variable) contract, on the other hand, can adjust your rates every month or quarter. This could mean you pay less if market prices drop, but it also leaves you exposed if rates surge unexpectedly.
Make sure you understand these terms before signing up, especially if you think you might move or reconsider your supplier later.
First, you will need to check your rental agreement — sometimes, water is included in your rent. If not, you will have to sign a contract with a local water supplier. Unlike gas and electricity, water is provided by regional water boards (waterschappen) specific to your area. So, you cannot choose it.
Optimizing your energy consumption doesn’t necessarily require major home modifications. Even if you’re renting and cannot install solar panels or upgrade insulation extensively, there are plenty of small yet impactful adjustments you can make to reduce both your bills and your environmental footprint.
A good place to start is by paying attention to your daily habits. For instance, when you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, turn off the tap to avoid wasting hot water. Over time, this simple step can noticeably cut down on your water and energy usage. Similarly, consider taking shorter, slightly cooler showers. Even reducing your shower time by a couple of minutes can translate into lower gas or electricity costs if you have a boiler for hot water.
Adjusting the temperature on your thermostat is another effective measure. Dutch homes often come with a central heating system controlled by a thermostat. Lowering the temperature by even one degree can make a measurable difference in energy usage. When you’re away from home or sleeping, set the thermostat a few degrees lower. This practice can help maintain comfort without unnecessary heating. Also, don’t forget to use your thermostat’s programming options — many models allow you to set a schedule so the heating only runs as needed, rather than warming an empty home.
Pay attention to natural light. In a Dutch homes, you likely have large windows designed to let in plenty of daylight. Take advantage of this by keeping curtains or blinds open during the day to reduce your need for electric lighting. Once it gets dark, switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Although slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, LEDs last much longer and consume far less electricity, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Electronics and appliances play a big role in energy consumption. Unplug devices when they’re not in use, or use a power strip with a switch to cut off power to multiple items at once. This prevents “standby power” or “vampire energy” drain, where devices quietly consume electricity even when turned off. When it’s time to replace an appliance, opt for models with a high energy efficiency rating. Check labels like the European Energy Label, which rates products from A+++ (most efficient) downwards. While you may not have full freedom to replace major appliances in a rental, smaller items like a new, efficient kettle or toaster can still make a difference.
Laundry and dishwashing habits also influence energy usage. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads, and use eco or short cycles whenever possible. Washing clothes at lower temperatures—such as 30°C instead of 40°C or 60°C—consumes significantly less energy. If you have space for it, consider air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer, especially when the weather is mild. This is common in the Netherlands, and a drying rack next to a window can be a simple, energy-free solution.
Lighting and heating aside, another area to consider is your cooking habits. Using the right cookware size for the burner and putting lids on pots can help cook meals faster and with less energy. If you have an electric kettle, boil only the amount of water you actually need instead of filling it to the top. These small changes accumulate over time, trimming your monthly costs.
Lastly, staying mindful of your consumption and reviewing your bills periodically can keep you aware of progress. If you notice your usage creeping up, think back to which habits may have slipped. In the Netherlands, where seasonal changes affect heating needs and daylight hours, adjusting your habits throughout the year can make a big difference. By combining a few strategic changes—shorter showers, efficient bulbs, careful use of heating, mindful appliance use, and general water and electricity conservation—you can keep your energy bills manageable and do your part for the environment, even as a renter with limited control over the property’s infrastructure.
When you’re preparing to leave your home, disconnecting your utilities is a straightforward process, though it’s best not to leave it until the last minute.
Each utility — gas, electricity, and water —usually needs to be handled separately. If you’ve been paying through the same provider for both gas and electricity, that simplifies things, since you’ll only deal with one company for those services. Your water supplier will be different, so you’ll have to contact them separately.
The first step is to contact your energy supplier and let them know you’re moving. Most often, this can just be done in your dashboard. They will then provide instructions for taking a final meter reading. If you have a smart meter, your supplier might take the reading remotely. If not, you’ll need to note the numbers on your gas and electricity meters on the day you move out. Make sure to document this carefully — taking a photo can be helpful, as it provides proof if there’s any dispute later on.
Your energy supplier will then calculate your final bill. If you’ve been on the Dutch system of monthly estimates and annual reconciliations, they’ll settle your account at this point. If you’ve overpaid, you’ll receive a refund. If you owe more, you’ll be asked to pay the outstanding amount. Once this is settled, your contract is officially ended. If you’re moving to a new address in the Netherlands, you can also ask your supplier to transfer your contract there instead of canceling it entirely. This option can sometimes save you the hassle of finding a new supplier at your next home.
Don’t forget about related services that might be tied to your home, such as internet or television. Although not utilities in the traditional sense, these are often treated similarly when moving out. Contact your internet service provider and any other subscription-based services to cancel or transfer them. They may ask for a certain period of notice, just like energy suppliers.
