ACM’s Monitor on the consumer energy market: suppliers offer sign-up rebates more often to consumers that switch
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary

The number of energy suppliers that offer consumers sign-up rebates has risen tremendously over the past 12 months.
Sign-up rebates can make switching to another supplier financially more appealing, but also make it harder for consumers to compare contracts.
The prices that households need to pay for their supply of electricity went down 6 percent last month.


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                

  
    
            

The number of energy suppliers that offer consumers sign-up rebates when they switch to a new contract for natural gas and/or electricity has risen tremendously over the past 12 months. This is one of the conclusions of the Monitor on the consumer energy market of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Two years ago, 12 suppliers offered rebates to new or existing customers (12 percent of all offerings), and this has now risen to 20 suppliers and 41 percent of all offerings. Sign-up rebates can make switching to another supplier financially more appealing, but also make it harder for consumers to compare contracts. In 2026, ACM conducts a market investigation into the comparability of energy contracts.


The prices that households need to pay for their supply of electricity went down six percent last month. The prices for the supply of natural gas more or less remained the same. In December, the natural-gas price on the wholesale markets remained stable at approximately 28 euros per MWh. That is virtually the same price level as before the energy crisis of five years ago, taking into account inflation. In recent days, the natural-gas price went up again to 35 euros per MWh, due to the current geopolitical situation, among other reasons.


The filling rate of the Dutch natural-gas storages went down from 65 percent in early December to 39 percent by mid-January. Even though that is lower than in previous years, it does not immediately pose a risk for the security of supply, since significant quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are imported. In 2025, the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Netherlands reached record levels, approximately 75 percent of which came from the US. A steady supply of LNG is critical for the security of the gas supply in Europe.
Consumer prices


Many consumers pro-actively take a critical look at their energy contracts. The number of fixed contracts is going up at the expense of variable contracts, while the number of dynamic contracts is slightly rising. Switching to a contract that better suits your energy needs can pay off. Households are able to choose between different types of contracts. With fixed contracts, prices are fixed for a pre-determined period. For three-year fixed contracts, prices are currently around 0.24 euros per kWh for electricity, and 1.20 euros per m³ of natural gas. With variable contracts, suppliers are able to adjust their prices multiple times per year: these are currently, on average, slightly higher at 0.27 euros and 1.29 euros respectively. Households with dynamic contracts pay the current market price, which can vary every quarter of an hour (for electricity) or every day (for natural gas). They immediately benefit from lower prices on the wholesale market, but, at the same time, they also face more risk if prices go up unexpectedly.


Consumers can also opt for a model contract. This is a contract that every energy supplier is statutorily required to offer. ACM sees that, as of 1 January 2026, suppliers have lowered the prices of their model contracts to approximately 0.28 euros per kWh for electricity and 1.31 euros per m³ of natural gas. However, the standing charge in particular is still significantly higher compared with other variable contracts, because feed-in costs cannot be charged in the old model contract. New model contracts have become available since January 1 due to the Dutch Energy Act. In the new variable model contracts, suppliers are allowed to adjust their prices four times a year. In addition, new model contracts with fixed rates for one year have also been introduced. In these new model contracts, suppliers are allowed to charge feed-in costs to households with solar panels . It is expected that this will result in a lower standing charge in model contracts for electricity. ACM will monitor developments in the coming months.
Significantly higher rates


ACM keeps a close watch on the prices of energy suppliers. In that context, ACM looks at, among other aspects, the price differences between suppliers as well as at the reasons behind those price differences. ACM’s Monitor on the consumer energy market reveals that the prices of the below contracts for households this month are significantly higher than comparable contracts from other suppliers. 



Supplier
Contract type


Ventum
Variable – electricity


Groenpand
Variable – electricity and one-year fixed natural gas


Powerpeers
Variable – electricity


Energyhouse
Variable – electricity and natural gas


Kikker energie
One-year fixed natural gas





ACM’s Monitor on the consumer energy market also reveals that several suppliers charge significantly higher prices for their model contracts. This is the case with Tibber, Innova, Zonneplan, PZEM, and Noord Energie. A model contract is a standard contract that every energy supplier is statutorily required to offer, even suppliers that wish to offer dynamic contracts only. The fact that prices of these model contracts are significantly higher says nothing about the prices of other contracts offered by these suppliers.

      

    
          
                                          
                                  
                                      See also
                      
    

Monitor on the consumer energy market (in Dutch)Monitor on wholesale prices and the security of supply of natural gas (in Dutch)Monitor wholesale prices electricity (in Dutch)
            
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                16-01-2026
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                                          
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                Keywords
                  Monitors,
  Gas,
  Electricity,
  Tariffs

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Energy,
  Consumer protection

ACM Reports Surge in Energy Suppliers Offering Sign-Up Rebates

The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has released its latest Monitor on the consumer energy market, revealing a notable rise in the number of energy suppliers offering sign-up rebates to consumers who switch contracts. Over the past year, the number of suppliers providing these rebates has increased from 12 to 20, representing 41% of all offerings.

While sign-up rebates can incentivize consumers to switch suppliers, they also create challenges in comparing different energy contracts. In addition to this trend, ACM noted a 6% decrease in electricity prices for households last month, while natural gas prices remained stable.

As of January 2026, the prices for fixed contracts are approximately 0.24 euros per kWh for electricity and 1.20 euros per m³ for natural gas. Variable contracts are slightly higher, averaging 0.27 euros and 1.29 euros respectively. Consumers are also increasingly opting for model contracts, which are required by law, although these contracts often come with higher standing charges.

ACM is closely monitoring the energy market, particularly the price differences between suppliers and the reasons behind them. The authority aims to ensure fair pricing and transparency for consumers in the energy sector.



ACM Reports Surge in Energy Suppliers Offering Sign-Up Rebates

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, reports a significant increase in energy suppliers providing sign-up rebates, making it easier for consumers to switch but complicating contract comparisons.