The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has revealed that households with solar panels are facing a significant increase in feed-in costs, which have risen by approximately 10% compared to last month. This increase is part of ACM's monthly monitoring of energy prices, where energy suppliers are required to submit their contract prices.

In addition to the rise in feed-in costs, ACM has noted that fixed contracts for electricity and natural gas have increased by 0 to 2.5%, while variable contracts have remained stable. The wholesale market for natural gas has experienced considerable fluctuations, with prices dropping from 58 euros per MWh to 42 euros per MWh over the past month.

Energy suppliers incur costs for the electricity fed into the grid by solar panel owners, and they are permitted to pass these costs onto the customers responsible for them. ACM's calculations indicate that the feed-in costs for new contracts have increased by 10%. Furthermore, 11 suppliers are currently charging a net-negative feed-in compensation to customers who produce more energy than they consume annually, which raises concerns about the fairness of these charges.

Under current regulations, households can offset the electricity they produce against what they consume until 2027. If they feed more power into the grid than they take, they are entitled to compensation from their energy supplier. However, if the compensation rate is lower than the feed-in costs, it results in a net-negative compensation, which is not illegal as long as it does not lead to unreasonable pricing.

ACM is closely monitoring these developments to ensure that energy prices remain reasonable. The authority is conducting a study on how energy suppliers incorporate solar panel costs into their pricing and will publish the findings in the coming months. Concerns have been raised by some households that rising feed-in costs may make solar panels less financially viable, despite their long-term benefits.

Looking ahead, the net metering scheme is set to end on January 1, 2027, which will change how households can offset their energy production against consumption. ACM will continue to oversee pricing fairness and is in discussions with the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth regarding future regulations. Consumers are advised to compare energy contracts carefully, especially those extending beyond 2027, to make informed decisions.