Gas, Electricity, Water in Amsterdam

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Gas, Electricity

The Netherlands has excellent infrastructure. All houses essentially have electricity, gas drinking water connection and in big cities high speed internet and cable are ubiquitous. To keep the Dutch energy market competitive, it was de-regulated on 1 July 2004. Many utility companies offer integrated services, providing gas and electricity. Customers can choose their own energy provider.

While energy companies are many, getting connected to utilities suppliers can be time-consuming and difficult for people who don't speak Dutch. Although most Dutch people speak English, you need to get through Dutch-language telephone menus before you can speak to an operator. If it proves too challenging, get a Dutch colleague or friend to help. This will speed things up infinitely.

There are numerous companies offering gas and electricity supplies. Tariffs vary from company to company and "green" options, ecostroom, where the power is sourced from environmentally sound areas or drawn from clean renewable sources such as sun, sea and wind are increasingly popular.

Electricity in Netherlands is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Netherlands with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Reduced night tariffs are available if the property has a meter fitted. The reduced tariff is available from 23:00-07:00 and at weekends, from Friday 23:00 until 07:00 Monday.

Below is a list of some of the main gas and electricity suppliers in the Netherlands.

Water

In the Netherlands, you can be ensured of clean drinking water from the tap anywhere in the country. The water companies, the national government and provinces all play their roles to contribute to this supply of clean water.

The Netherlands is split into geographical water areas. Water boards (Waterschappen) are responsible for flood control, management of regional water resources (quantity and quality) and treatment of urban wastewater.

Tax is charged for clean water and the consumer is charged for the amount of water used. In rental accommodation, water bills are often handled by the agent or landlord. The district water board purges the water piped to households and companies and charges a pollution tax for this. The pollution assessment is often combined with the refuse and sewage charges levied by the municipality, or with the account from the waterworks. Home owners take responsibility for the condition of the water supply lines in their home.

You can reach the main water supplier in Amsterdam at 020 553 6396.

Update 29/02/2008


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Comments

 frank struiken

11/06/2018

small note living in the south of NL
Good article with valuable information. Every year more and more suppliers enter the market which you can choose from and nowadays there ar over 60 energy suppliers. Comparing them is a must do, which is also possible at http://www.goedkoopste-energieleverancier.net/ If you live in Limburg or Noord-Brabant you can benefit even more from the lower tariff (night tariff). It starts from 21.00 untill 07.00. Indeed the other parts of the Netherlands have a different time range from 23.00 untill 07.00

 Sblom

13/06/2016

English energy contracts comparison tool
As mentioned in this article, you are free to choose your own energy supplier in the Netherlands. Some energy suppliers are much more expensive than others, so it's well worth your time to compare different energy contracts as soon as you move to the Netherlands. Switching energy suppliers every year can save you a lot of money as well, so make sure to compare energy contracts every year.

The comparison website Pricewise has an English version as well, so you can fill out the energy comparison tool in English which makes everything much easier for non-Dutch speaking citizens.

You can compare different energy contracts here and apply for a new contract right away: http://www.pricewise.nl/en/compare-energy/

 Janice

28/01/2016

valuable information
You seem to forget something really important. I see you have put 3 energy suppliers but there are min. 40 energy suppliers to choose from.
Especially if you just moved in your new house in the Netherlands saving money will help a lot. In the Netherlands the suppliers are really competetive in price, energy source etc. So it's wise to check the price and switch from energy supplier once a year. try sites like https://www.onlineenergievergelijker.nl so you wont be tempted to switch suppliers because of an nice offer of an tablet or something like that.

 Marc-Peter

27/03/2013

Free online energy comparison service
Just to let you know that there is an English language website that offers independent and free help with comparing gas & electricity contracts in The Netherlands: www.energievergelijken.nl/en/

They also help you sort out all the paperwork required for the application. Excellent way to save on your utility bill!

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