How to arrange your utilities in the Netherlands: Energy, Water, Internet

Congratulations on having found your new home in the Netherlands! Now that the hard part of finding a home is behind – it’s time to make that home “move-in” ready. In the Netherlands, you have the freedom to choose the utility providers, specifically when it comes to energy and the internet. But don’t leave choosing a provider to the last minute!

To help you make a seamless transition, we’ve put together a guide on how to set up your utilities in the Netherlands quickly and without hassle. This includes electricity, gas, water and the internet. Either you are looking to transfer your utilities from one apartment to the next, or you are arranging everything from scratch; we got you covered either way.

Setting up utilities in the Netherlands: The Basics 

Before you register your utilities, the following documents should be prepared: 

• Proof of identity (ID card or Passport) 
• Proof of occupancy (rental contract or house deed) 
• Dutch bank account to set up your payment method 

For rental property 

If your rental contract specifies that utilities are included, then you don’t have to arrange the utility providers yourself. It is possible that the landlord has already set up the utilities for you and includes them in the cost of the rent. Of course, it depends on the landlord, so make sure to check which utilities (if any) are included in the rental price before signing the lease to avoid any surprises.

When you move into a new place without pre-arranged gas, water, and electricity contracts, it is crucial that you organize everything yourself within 5 days before/after the key collection date.

For owned house 

If you bought a house in the Netherlands, it is possible to transfer the utility services from the previous owner. It is a convenient option if you don’t want to find your own utility providers. Also, if you’re not happy with the available connections, you can take some time researching other providers for the best rate plans.

Setting up electricity and gas in the Netherlands 

In the Netherlands, you have the freedom to select your own electric and gas provider. This gives you the freedom to choose providers based on your preferences of costs, customer service, sustainability, and contractual commitments.

Electricity is the primary source of power and heating in most Dutch buildings. However, some older buildings still use a central heating boiler to convert gas into heat. Therefore, it is up to you whether you want to purchase electricity and gas in a package deal, from one provider, or separately from different providers. Usually, the package deal offered by a utility provider is the cheapest and the most attractive option.

Choosing Your Dutch Energy Supplier in the Netherlands 

You can find the full list of Dutch power companies in the image below: 

Image: An overview of all active energy suppliers in The Netherlands (source: Energievergelijk) 

You can also compare utility providers and plans using an online comparison site. We haven’t found any comparison sites in English, but a simple online search will help you find whatever you need.  

If you are concerned about sustainability, many Dutch providers do offer green energy. In that case, you can refer to the annual Power Ranking of the Consumers’ Association (source is in Dutch), in which Natuur & Milieu en WISE ranks energy providers by their sustainability. 

Once you’ve chosen the energy supplier, you can go to their website and register a new account. Your provider will ask you to provide meter readings within 15 working days of your move. It is important to note down the meter reading on your first day to make sure you only pay for your usage. 

Moving House With An Energy Contract in the Netherlands 

Energy companies in the Netherlands are very flexible if you want to transfer your utilities from your current home to your new home. This is because the energy contracts are linked to your personal account with the supplier, not on the property. Therefore, you just need to notify your current energy provider and connect your energy contract to your new home, given that it doesn’t have utilities pre-arranged.

You can avoid penalties incurred by terminating fixed-term contracts with your energy provider if continuing your current contract is no longer an option in your new home (i.e. you’re moving in with someone who already has a contract with a provider).

Water Supply in the Netherlands 

Unlike energy (gas and electricity), you’re not required to choose your own provider for water. Water providers are assigned per region. The country is divided into 10 water districts. You look up who is your water provider with your postcode by using this tool (in Dutch). 

Dutch water providers for major cities 

• Amsterdam: Waternet 
• Den Haag/Leiden: Dunea 
• Rotterdam: Evides
• Utrecht: Vitens
• North Holland: PWN Waterleidingbedrijf 

The registration is very straightforward and can be done through their respective websites.  

Setting Up Internet and Cable in the Netherlands 

Internet providers in the Netherlands are considered high quality, with strong connections and good services. Dutch Internet speed is recognized for being the fifth fastest in the world. According to CBS, nearly 98 percent of all Dutch homes had broadband internet access in 2018.  

However, finding an internet service provider (ISP) can be quite problematic, given that there are multiple types of connections (ADSL/VDSL, fiber, and cable), different internet speeds, and price plans. Furthermore, the main home internet providers also offer different types of inclusive bundles which cover internet, cable TV, and phone line. However, if you are not going to use all services, you can still sign up for an Internet-only deal.  

Here is a list of a few of the major providers of Internet in the Netherlands: 

• Vodafone/Ziggo  
• KPN 
• T -Mobile  
• Youphone 

It can take up to three weeks to set up your internet connection, so you might want to make up your mind early regarding which provider to go with. Once you’ve registered with a provider, they would send an installation team to your place to get your internet going or send you the tool so you can do it yourself. 

ABOUT US 

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