Electricity Prices in the Netherlands – Overview and Development

Electricity costs partly depend on consumption, which is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The price per kWh consists of the actual supply price, government levies (Energy Tax / Energiebelasting) and VAT, and varies depending on the type of contract and supplier.

Until Autumn 2021

Until summer 2021, household electricity prices in the Netherlands remained relatively stable. Consumers paid on average around €0.22 per kWh (including 21% VAT).

The actual electricity supply price (“base” supply price) was approximately €0.08 per kWh. In addition, fixed government levies applied, particularly the Energy Tax and the renewable energy surcharge, amounting to around €0.14 per kWh in total. The final price depended on the specific supplier and contract.

On 1 January 2019, the Energy Tax was adjusted. As a result, households paid higher levies on average over the year, mainly due to an increase in gas tax and a simultaneous reduction in the tax credit on electricity connections. This meant households received a lower tax refund via their annual settlement.

From Autumn 2021 Onwards

From autumn 2021, energy prices in the Netherlands rose sharply. This was caused by tensions in international energy markets and later by the war in Ukraine.

In September 2022, prices for so-called model contracts (standard flexible contracts) temporarily reached:

• Single tariff: approx. €0.96 per kWh

• Dual tariff:

  • Normal/day tariff: approx. €1.04 per kWh

  • Off-peak/night tariff: approx. €0.91 per kWh

Development in 2024

During 2023 and 2024, electricity prices declined significantly again. In September 2024, average tariffs were:

• Normal/day tariff: approx. €0.27 – €0.31 per kWh

• Off-peak/night tariff: approx. €0.26 – €0.30 per kWh

The exact price depended heavily on the contract type (dynamic, variable, 1-year or multi-year).

In addition, monthly connection or base fees of approximately €5 to €7 apply.

Electricity Prices in Early 2026

According to Consumentenbond, the average electricity prices in January 2026 were:

• €0.24 per kWh for a 1-year contract

• €0.25 per kWh for multi-year contracts

• €0.27 per kWh for variable contracts

In February 2026, the lowest available electricity price for new contracts was around €0.22 per kWh (including taxes and levies).

Dynamic electricity tariffs in 2026 show a price range of approximately €0.22 to €0.28 per kWh, depending on the time of day and market conditions. These prices are known in advance and fluctuate hourly.

Energy Tax and Levies

Since 1 January 2026, the Energy Tax on electricity has been €0.111 per kWh (previously €0.123). The renewable energy surcharge (ODE) has been fully integrated into the Energy Tax since 2023.

The Energy Tax applies up to an annual consumption of 10,000 kWh per connection (up to 3×80 amperes). In addition, 21% VAT is charged.

Households receive an annual fixed tax reduction, which is credited through the annual energy bill. This reduction may not apply if the address does not serve a residential purpose.

Single or Dual Tariff

Consumers can choose between a single tariff (same price throughout the day) and a dual tariff (separate normal and off-peak periods). Off-peak periods generally apply at night and on weekends. However, the price difference between the two tariffs is often small or even identical, meaning a dual tariff is not automatically cheaper.

Note

Government levies and market prices may change annually. As a result, your total electricity price can vary from year to year.

 

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We recommend regularly using a price comparison tool at Comparisonportal.nl to review current tariffs and contract options.

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Sources:

[1] Consumentenbond (02/02/2026). Electricity price per kWh. Retrieved 2 February 2026 from https://www.consumentenbond.nl/energie-vergelijken/kwh-prijs
[2] Dutch Government (Rijksoverheid) (02/02/2026). What is included in my energy bill? Retrieved 2 February 2026 from https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/energie-thuis/vraag-en-antwoord/opbouw-energierekening
[3] Statistics Netherlands (CBS) (2026). Average energy tariffs for consumers. Retrieved 2 February 2026 from https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/cijfers/detail/85592NED?q=gemiddelde%20energietarieven%20voor%20consumenten
[4] ANWB Energy (2026). Current energy tariffs. Retrieved 2 February 2026 from https://www.anwb.nl/energie/actuele-tarieven