The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has announced the maximum heat tariffs for 2026, which will see a decrease in variable costs but an increase in fixed costs for consumers.

In 2026, the variable tariff for heat will drop to a maximum of 40.97 euros per gigajoule (GJ), down from 43.79 euros. However, the fixed costs will rise to a maximum of 827.91 euros per year, up from 760.77 euros. These maximum tariffs are designed to protect heat consumers from excessive charges.

As a result of these changes, an average household consuming 25GJ annually will pay approximately 3.34 euros less for heat supply. Conversely, households with lower consumption may face higher costs; for instance, a household consuming 5GJ will see an increase of up to 53.04 euros.

Households connected to a heat network cannot choose their heat supplier, making ACM's role in setting maximum tariffs crucial for consumer protection. The authority calculates these tariffs based on regulations that consider the average costs associated with gas-fired boilers, known as the 'no-more-than-otherwise principle'.

Looking ahead, the Dutch Senate is set to vote on the Dutch Collective Heat Bill, which aims to phase out the current pricing principle. If enacted, ACM will begin using actual supplier costs for tariff setting starting January 1, 2027, although the initial phase will still adhere to the existing principle.