ACM: EETRIP is the heat supplier of the residents of residential building De Trip, and must comply with the Dutch Heat Act 
                  

                
                                  

  
    
            

Energie Exploitatie De Trip B.V. (EETRIP) is the heat supplier of the residents of 253 homes in residential building De Trip in the central Dutch city of Utrecht. This is the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). This means that EETRIP must comply with the Dutch Heat Act (in Dutch: Warmtewet), and that it is responsible for a secure supply of heat to the residents. It also means that, in the case of any issues with the supply of heat, EETRIP is statutorily required to resolve these quickly. In addition, EETRIP must publish information about disruptions, and it must pay compensations for disruptions to residents that are entitled to such compensations. EETRIP also must inform residents properly about the conditions of their supply contracts.


EETRIP is the owner of the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system to which 253 homes in residential building De Trip are connected. When renting a home in the building, residents are required to take out a contract with EETRIP for their heat supply. Residents cannot switch to different heat suppliers, and are therefore bound to the supply of heat by EETRIP. EETRIP is the heat supplier of the residents, and must therefore comply with the Dutch Heat Act.


ACM has conducted an investigation into EETRIP following reports from residents as well as reports in the media about long-lasting disruptions in the supply of heat. The investigation has revealed that EETRIP did not inform residents properly about the heat supply in the building. Residents do not know who is responsible for their heat supply, and are not aware that EETRIP must comply with the obligations laid down in the Dutch Heat Act. In addition, EETRIP did not inform residents that they are able to file a complaint with the Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards (in Dutch: De Geschillencommissie). ACM has decided to take action against EETRIP in order to ensure that it will start complying with the law. If EETRIP fails to do so, it must pay periodic penalty payments, up to a maximum of 175,000 euros.


Through a joint venture partner, EETRIP is associated with several other businesses that supply heat to residence buildings. ACM previously took action against two of those businesses. Due to ongoing reports, ACM in 2024 launched a broad investigation because of suspicions that other businesses in this group, too, did not comply with the Dutch Heat Act or the Dutch Act on Enforcement of Consumer Protection (in Dutch: Wet handhaving consumentenbescherming). ACM continues with this investigation.

      

    
          
                                          
                                  
                                      See also
                      
    

12-07-2023  ACM: heat supplier NEXT NRG to keep a record of disruptions and to compensate users properly16-12-2021  ACM imposes order subject to periodic penalty payments on Klimaatgarant Exploitatie | ACM (in Dutch)31-10-2019  Klimaatgarant Exploitatie is heat supplier of ‘De BrouwerIJ’ | ACM (in Dutch)
            
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                31-10-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                      
              Spokesperson
              
                                    Tjitte Mastenbroek

                              
            
          
                                

          
                      

                                    
                Keywords
                  Heat

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Energy,
  Consumer protection

EETRIP Must Comply with Dutch Heat Act Following ACM Investigation

Energie Exploitatie De Trip B.V. (EETRIP) has been identified as the heat supplier for 253 homes in the residential building De Trip in Utrecht, according to an investigation by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).

 This designation requires EETRIP to comply with the Dutch Heat Act, which mandates a secure heat supply and quick resolution of any supply issues. EETRIP is also obligated to inform residents about any disruptions and provide compensation where applicable.

 The investigation was prompted by complaints from residents regarding prolonged heat supply disruptions. It was found that EETRIP failed to adequately inform residents about their heat supply responsibilities and the complaint process available through the Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards.

 ACM has taken action to ensure EETRIP complies with the law, threatening periodic penalty payments of up to 175,000 euros for non-compliance. EETRIP is also linked to other heat supply businesses, which are under investigation for similar compliance issues.



EETRIP Must Comply with Dutch Heat Act Following ACM Investigation

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, has determined that EETRIP is the heat supplier for residents of De Trip and must adhere to the Dutch Heat Act, ensuring proper communication and compensation for service disruptions.