Dutch households face higher gas and electricity bills over the next five years

Research commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate predicts that, on average, Dutch consumers will pay €120 more each year for gas and electricity over the next five years. The rise stems from a combination of rising fuel prices due to conflicts in the Gulf region, massive spending on grid upgrades, and a forthcoming EU levy on fossil fuels that suppliers will pass on to customers. Hybrid heat-pump owners are projected to incur an additional €560 annually, while fully electric heat-pump users may face about €350 more, despite still paying less than boiler households.

Households with conventional gas boilers will continue to have the highest bills, although fewer people are expected to retain gas connections as they switch to sustainable alternatives. TNO researcher Marijke Menkveld notes that while heat-pump owners will bear higher costs, they generally spend a smaller share of their income on energy compared with boiler users.