Once you've successfully acquired your Dutch bank account, you can proceed to coordinate your utility bill arrangements. Prior to commencing your search, it's crucial to determine which utilities are encompassed by your monthly rent deposit. Certain housing complexes may include gas and/or electricity as part of the package, for example I pay my gas with my rent.
An array of options exists for both electricity and gas (heating) providers. Many households prefer to procure these services from a single company to make billing easier and potentially unlock discounts. The procedure for both services is identical. To facilitate a comparison, you can utilize the following link: https://www.energievergelijk.nl/english.
Contract durations ranging from 6 months to 2 years are available. Your primary consideration should revolve around fixed and dynamic tariff choices. Given the economic volatility and fluctuating electricity prices, my personal advice is to consistently opt for fixed rates, even if they appear slightly elevated. This choice shields you from midwinter financial surprises.
An aspect that personally struck me as notably distinctive in NL is that, in addition to specifying the number of occupants in your household and your address, you need to forecast your consumption in advance to access various package options. When faced with uncertainty, I turned to my trusty confidant friend, Google, for guidance. Subsequently, you're prompted to indicate your desired monthly payment. This personal chosen amount is consistently withdrawn from your bank account via direct monthly payment. I understand that the amount has to be fixed in order for a direct payment to take place but still it is different than the rest European countries where you pay exactly what you consume monthly.
At the end of your contract, an evaluation of your actual energy consumption versus monthly fixed payments occur, resulting in a refund due to overpayment or a request for supplementary payment to cover deficits at your final bill. For those fortunate enough to possess a "smart reader," it's possible to track monthly consumption and its associated cost through your provider's electricity app. You retain the flexibility to adjust your payments at any juncture, selecting higher or lower monthly deposits to prevent a significant year-end settlement.
Another factor that initially made me worry was the multitude of site suggestions indicating a potential monthly electricity cost of around 200 euros. As an individual working from the office the majority of the week and residing in Amsterdam, I opted to pay 45 euros per month, despite my app indicating a consumption range of 22-26 euros monthly.
Also, based on the city you have rented or bought your new house/apartment you might be eligible for district heating. With district heating, your home can be warmed without reliance on gas or an individual central heating boiler. Heating is accomplished using residual heat, delivered through a dedicated network (monopoly) of water pipes in your residential area, providing both warmth and hot water. Cities adopting for this approach include Purmerend Duiven, Almere, Nieuwegein, Westervoort, Utrecht, Capelle aan den IJssel, Tilburg, Diemen, and Breda.
P.S. It's prudent to capture photographs of your smart meters or regular meters on the first day of moving into your new apartment, in case your realtor or landlord overlooks this step, ensuring their inclusion in your contract.
*** Keep in mind that at the end of your contract, if you decide to renew with the same provider, there is a possibility that your fixed tariff will get higher because for first year customers there is always a discount. ***