How to Unlock Savings on Utilities in the Netherlands Like a Pro

For expats, settling into the Netherlands brings about many challenges, but none more so than handling utilities, which oftentimes can feel like deciphering a cryptic code. Volatile pricing, complex deal structures and pesky hidden charges; it all adds up to one big headache. But fear not; help is at hand. With a bit of insider knowledge and clever tips, you’ll soon be on your way to understanding this maze and can learn how to unlock savings like a pro. We’ve created this guide with the help of Utility Direct to help expats get the best savings on electricity, gas, internet, and TV in the Netherlands. You could save hundreds, if not more, yearly. So, listen up.

Turn Down That Thermostat

It all starts with the basics. So, let’s begin with the thermostat. Take the average Dutch home. Research shows that Dutch houses are typically heated to 18-20°C. While some expats from warmer climates may prefer to crank it to 24-25°C (homesick, maybe?), this seemingly small difference can cost €1,000-€2,000 extra per year! Embrace the Dutch way. Layer up, use warm blankets, or invest in an energy-efficient electric blanket. Lowering your thermostat to 18-19°C is the single most effective way to slash gas bills. And, it’s so easy. Aim to use heating only from November to mid-April.

But wait, there is more you can do. Why not lower your boiler temperature from the standard 80°C to 50-60°C? While waiting for hot water for a cozy bath might take slightly longer, the savings can be significant, around 5% on your gas bill. And when you’re asleep? Set your thermostat to 15-16°C—your house and wallet will thank you! With mindful usage, you can genuinely get to savings of €500-€1000+ per year.

Go To War On Energy Leaks

Dutch winters can be brutal on you and your energy bills, especially if your home leaks heat like a sieve. Seal the gaps around doors and windows using tochtstrips (draught excluders) – inexpensive foam or rubber strips, which cost around €10 for several meters. This prevents warm air from escaping. If staying long-term in an apartment, invest in double glazing. HR++ glass pays for itself through substantial energy savings. If you are renting, focus on small fixes that could save you a lot of money.

The Annual Switch: Here’s What You Need To Know

Switch your energy and internet providers every year, and you could save €500+ yearly. Yep, you heard right.

Think about it; as a newbie, you get the best deals, so consider making that switch to save cash. Also, the chance that your current provider will be the cheapest again in 12 months is super low.

Bundling deals (where you combine internet and mobile with the same provider) can also be money savers from heaven. Switching internet providers often gets you 50% off for 6-9 months, saving €200-€300/year. Providers offer an ‘overstap service’ (switching service). When your new router arrives, you simply connect it, send the old one back (postage paid), and experience zero downtime or hassle. It takes just 20-30 minutes to achieve significant savings, and it’s basically like earning €400/hour! Negotiating with current providers (like Ziggo) is usually less effective than switching.

Dutch energy providers claim their introductory offers are irresistible. Still, they have built-in disadvantages. These offers often come with the requirement to sign a second contract at a higher rate. It’s after the first year when they hike your rate 20-25%. But new customers get a discount. Don’t ever become a sleeper client, paying a premium for loyalty.

Demystify Your Water Bill

In the Netherlands, your water bill comes with a fixed annual charge, around €300, which covers national water management infrastructure (flood control and keeping the country dry, and so on). If deducted quarterly, this charge can cause a surprisingly high bill. Actual water usage is cheap. For one person, it’s €15 per month, for two people, it’s €23 per month, and for three people, it’s around €25 per month. Cutting down hot water consumption is key to energy saving. Consider a point-of-use water heater to deliver hot water efficiently.

On another note, although shower filters are available, the water quality in the Netherlands is so high that, unless you have very sensitive skin, taps typically do not require filters.

Go Green & Tech-Savvy

Save money. Save the planet. Save yourself some stress. Sounds good, right? Begin by swapping all bulbs for LEDs. They are cheap, costing just a few Euros each, and drastically cut electricity consumption. Thinking long term, and wanting to save even more on bills? Go Solar or speak to someone about setting a heat pump into reverse so it heats during the winter and cools during the summer while cutting bills and emissions at the same time. The panels are an excellent long-term investment that lessens dependency on the grid. An incredibly efficient alternative to a gas boiler is a rat pump, especially when paired with solar power. There is potential for significant long-term savings and reduced emissions. Go for subsidies where you can, too.

Beware of district/stadsverwarming (city heating). It is often installed in new builds and promoted as green because it utilizes residual city heat. However, it’s currently about 50% more expensive than gas. You get an ‘A’ energy label for the new build, but pay like a C or D. To make it worse, you can’t switch providers. There’s only one energy provider in each area that offers stadsverwarming, creating a monopoly! So if price matters, stay clear. Side note: Vloerverwarming (under-floor heat) is a luxury that increases energy consumption—a poor choice in terms of energy efficiency savings.

Taking Control of Utilities in the Netherlands

Still feel overwhelmed? No worries. Utility Direct makes saving on utilities extra-easy for expats in the Netherlands. They handle all utility connections for your move, search the whole market for the best fit (price, green energy, urgency) and automate that crucial annual switch of Dutch energy providers to lock in savings. They even go one step further to help you find and finance solar panels, heat pumps, and subsidies, offering additional discounts that you won’t find online.

Initially, utility bills do cause stress, but a little planning goes a long way. Whether it’s plugging energy drains, perfecting loyalty programs, or becoming an annual switch whiz, now is the time to go Dutch on utilities. Your bank account will give you a standing ovation. Who knows? You could start feeling like a local already.