Does a "Energy Ombudsman" exist in the Netherlands — and what do they do?
No separate energy ombudsman as in Belgium. In the Netherlands the Geschillencommissie Energie is the equivalent mediator — we map the difference.
There is no government-appointed "Energy Ombudsman" in the Netherlands as in Belgium. The role of independent dispute resolver is fulfilled by the Geschillencommissie Energie (degeschillencommissie.nl), part of the Foundation for Consumer Dispute Committees. There are: (a) National Ombudsman — for complaints about government services (Tax Office and municipality re energy levies, not commercial suppliers); (b) Industry ombudsmen at individual suppliers — internal complaints handling; (c) Children's Ombudsman — not relevant. For commercial disputes the route is always Geschillencommissie Energie, with court as an appellate step.