Getting Water, Electricity, and Gas in the Netherlands: What Expats Should Know
Just moved into your Dutch home? One of the first things to sort out is setting up basic services like electricity, water, and gas. Unlike some countries where utilities are automatically handled by landlords, in the Netherlands you’re usually responsible for setting up your own contracts — especially if you're renting an unfurnished or semi-furnished place.
Electricity and Gas Providers
In the Netherlands, you’re free to choose your electricity and gas supplier. Popular providers include:
- Vattenfall
- Essent
- ENGIE
- Greenchoice
- Eneco
These companies often offer combined electricity and gas packages, and you can compare tariffs on platforms like Pricewise or Energievergelijk.
Types of Contracts
When signing up, you’ll typically choose between:
- Fixed contracts (usually 1–3 years): Stable rates for the contract duration.
- Variable contracts: Rates may change twice a year, depending on market prices.
Make sure to check if there's a cancellation fee when switching providers or ending early!
Water Supply
Unlike electricity and gas, water providers are assigned based on your location. Some of the regional water companies include:
- Vitens
- Dunea
- PWN
- Waternet (Amsterdam and surroundings)
You’ll need to register directly with your local water company after moving in. If you’re renting, sometimes the landlord has already arranged this and includes it in your service costs — be sure to ask!
Things to Keep in Mind
- You'll need your BSN (citizen service number) and Dutch bank account to sign up.
- Keep meter readings from your move-in day — you’ll need them when registering.
- Most contracts are digital and managed online — billing and usage tracking included.
Tips for Expats
- Use price comparison tools to avoid overpaying — tariffs can vary widely.
- Some sites offer English support and contract guidance tailored for expats.
- If you're unsure about your rights as a consumer, ConsuWijzer (government site) is a good place to start.
Final Thoughts
Sorting out basic utilities is one of the less glamorous parts of moving to the Netherlands, but it’s manageable. Just be sure to read the fine print on contracts and always compare offers. With everything in place, you can focus on settling into your new home — stress-free and fully powered!