How to switch energy supplier in the Netherlands
Switching is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bill here. The new supplier does the work, and nothing physical changes in your home.
To switch, you only sign up with the new supplier. They notify your old supplier and the network operator, and your supply never stops. Switching is free unless you leave a fixed contract early, in which case there may be a capped early-termination fee. The best moment is when your current contract is ending or when you are on an expensive variable default rate.
How switching actually works
You do not cancel your old contract yourself. When you sign up with a new supplier, that supplier arranges the whole switch: they inform your current supplier, coordinate with the network operator and set a start date. All you do is choose and sign.
Because the network and the physical connection stay the same, there is no interruption. You will not sit in the dark for a second. The only thing that changes is which company sends your bill.
Does switching cost anything?
Switching itself is free. The one exception is leaving a fixed-term contract early: then your supplier may charge an early-termination fee (opzegvergoeding), which is capped by consumer rules and depends on how much time is left. On variable and dynamic contracts you can usually leave with about 30 days' notice at no cost.
So check what contract you are on before you switch. If you are on a variable default rate, there is usually nothing stopping you. If you are locked into a fixed deal, weigh the fee against what you would save.
When is it worth switching?
The clearest moments are: your fixed contract is about to end, you have never switched and are on a standard rate, you just moved and inherited someone else's contract, or your situation changed (you got solar panels, an electric car or a heat pump, which changes which supplier is cheapest for you).
A common mistake is loyalty. Suppliers often give their best price to new customers through a one-off welcome discount, while long-standing customers quietly pay more. Comparing once a year, around your contract's end date, is where most of the saving is.
Frequently asked questions
Will my power be interrupted when I switch?
No. The physical connection and network operator stay the same, so your electricity and gas keep flowing without a break. Only the company that bills you changes.
Do I have to cancel my old contract myself?
No. The new supplier arranges the switch and notifies your old supplier for you. You only sign up with the new one.
Is there a fee to switch?
Switching is free unless you leave a fixed-term contract early, which can carry a capped early-termination fee (opzegvergoeding). Variable and dynamic contracts can usually be ended with about 30 days' notice at no cost.
How often should I compare?
About once a year, ideally around your contract's end date. The biggest savings come from not staying on the same deal after a welcome discount has expired.