ACM’s Monitor on the consumer energy market: suppliers must inform customers properly about important changes in 2027
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary

On 1 January 2027, the net-metering scheme will end, and energy suppliers must start paying for CO2 emissions of natural gas.
Energy suppliers that offer contracts that extend beyond that date must inform their customers properly.
This month too, ACM publishes an overview of contracts with significantly higher rates.


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                

  
    
            

On 1 January 2027, new regulations will come into effect that will have consequences for the prices and conditions of energy contracts. Since it is possible already right now to take out new energy contracts that extend beyond 1 January 2027, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has decided to call attention to these new regulations.


On 1 January 2027, the statutory net-metering scheme will end. After that date, suppliers no longer need to substract feed-in solar power from energy consumptions, but, instead, households will receive compensations for feed-in power. In addition, energy suppliers need to start paying for the CO2 emissions of natural gas, and they may be required to blend in a certain percentage of green gas. These last two changes create extra costs for suppliers. Suppliers may choose to pass on these costs (fully or partially) to their consumers. That is why energy suppliers that offer long-term contracts that extend beyond 1 January 2027 need to explain properly already now to their customers, when taking out new contracts, what the new regulations will mean for their contracts. ACM has pointed this out to suppliers before already.


Some suppliers have already laid down in their long-term contracts how they will deal with the new rules. These suppliers do not need to change their conditions and prices when the new rules come into effect. In these contracts, you can already see what the prices will be after 1 January 2027. These contracts will continue to be valid after 1 January 2027, which means you cannot cancel these fixed contracts free of charge just like that.


There are also suppliers that do offer long-term contracts, but that have not yet laid down in their contracts how they will deal with the new rules. These suppliers will wish to change these contracts when the new rules come into effect. Suppliers are not allowed to change the prices and conditions of current fixed contracts just like that. Changes are only allowed if this has been laid down in the conditions in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, and if the changes have been announced at least one month in advance so that customers are able to cancel their contracts before the changes come into effect. Under the new Dutch Energy Act (in Dutch: Energiewet), which will come into effect on 1 January 2026, customers are able to cancel their contracts free of charge if suppliers change their prices.
This month’s market trends and developments


ACM’s Monitor on the consumer energy market reveals that the rates for variable and fixed energy contracts have remained relatively stable this past month. On the wholesale market, the natural-gas price remained stable at 32 euros per megawatt hour. ACM’s Monitor on wholesale prices and the security of supply of natural gas also shows that the natural-gas storages have been filled further this past month, going from 66 percent to 71 percent. In addition, a lot of liquefied natural gas (LNG) was imported in September too. Well-filled gas storages and a stable supply of LNG are important for being able to meet higher demand for natural gas for heating in the winter 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


Kikker Energie
Variable – natural gas and electricity


Kikker Energie
Dynamic – natural gas and electricity


Energyhouse
Variable – natural gas and electricity


Powerpeers
Variable - electricity


Ventum
Variable - electricity





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 ANWB Energie, EnergyZero, Hallostroom, Slim met Energie, Easyenergy, Innova, Kikker Energie, Tibber, and Clean Energy. A model contract is a standard contract with a variable price that can typically be adjusted on January 1 and July 1. Every energy supplier is statutorily required to offer such a model contract, 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
                17-10-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                      
              Spokesperson
              
                                    Tjitte Mastenbroek

                              
            
          
                                

          
                      

                                    
                Keywords
                  Monitors,
  Gas,
  Tariffs,
  Electricity

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Energy,
  Consumer protection

ACM Highlights Upcoming Changes in Energy Market Regulations for 2027

On January 1, 2027, new regulations will impact the Dutch energy market, requiring suppliers to adjust their pricing and contract terms. The end of the net-metering scheme means that households will receive compensation for feed-in solar power instead of having it deducted from their energy consumption.

Additionally, energy suppliers will be obligated to pay for CO2 emissions from natural gas and may need to incorporate a percentage of green gas into their offerings. These changes could lead to increased costs for suppliers, which they may pass on to consumers.

ACM has urged suppliers offering long-term contracts that extend beyond this date to clearly communicate how these new regulations will affect their contracts. Some suppliers have already outlined their approach in existing contracts, while others have yet to do so.

Under the new Dutch Energy Act, customers will have the right to cancel their contracts without penalty if suppliers change prices. ACM continues to monitor the energy market, noting that while wholesale natural gas prices have remained stable, some suppliers are charging significantly higher rates for their contracts.



ACM Highlights Upcoming Changes in Energy Market Regulations for 2027

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, emphasizes the need for energy suppliers to inform customers about significant regulatory changes coming in 2027, including the end of net-metering and new CO2 emission costs.