📖 Energy explained

Energy Act 2024, dynamic contracts, net-metering, feed-in tariffs — every concept in plain language.

• What is the Energy Act 2024The Dutch Energy Act 2024 replaces the old Gas Act and 1998 Electricity Act and gives you, as a consumer, stronger rights — against price hikes, on disconnection, and during outages.
• What is a dynamic energy contractA dynamic contract links your tariff to the hourly EPEX exchange price. Cheaper during surplus (much sun/wind), more expensive at peak. Not for everyone — we explain when it pays off.
• What is net-metering (saldering)Net-metering nets your fed-in solar power against your consumption. Until end of 2026 still at 100%. From 2027 it phases out — we map the schedule.
• What is the feed-in tariffThe feed-in tariff is what you get for solar power above your consumption. Suppliers set their own rate — but must comply with the Energy Act. Here is what applies.
• What is a smart meterThe smart meter reads your consumption every 15 minutes and reports to the grid operator. Can you refuse it? Who sees your data? We explain rights and risks.
• What is the capacity tariffThe capacity tariff is what your grid operator charges for the size of your connection — not for consumption. Higher with bigger connection (3×35A vs 3×25A).
• Heat pump and your energy contractA heat pump shifts gas consumption to electricity — sometimes 3-5× higher annual use. Tariff, capacity, possible upgrade: explained.
• Energy tax + ODE explainedEnergy tax + ODE are central-government levies that the supplier collects for the Tax Office. We explain rates and the household allowance.
• What was the price capThe price cap set a maximum tariff on a fixed annual consumption in 2023. It ended 1 January 2024 — but settlement disputes are still being resolved.
• What is a final statementA final statement closes a contract (after switching, moving, death). An annual statement settles one ongoing year. Both have a 6-week deadline.
• What is an EAN codeThe EAN code is the unique 18-digit number of your energy connection. On switching, damage claim or complaint you always need it. Where to find it.
• What is the energy allowanceMunicipal allowance for low-income households — €800-€1,300/year. Not automatic, but a right. We explain thresholds + application route.
• What is the Energy Emergency FundThe Emergency Fund (run by Stichting TNO) helps households with unpayable bills. Threshold: > 8-10% of income on energy. Up to several hundred euros/month waived.
• What is ISDE subsidyISDE subsidy: €30-€8,000 per measure (insulation, heat pump, solar boiler). Apply within 24 months of completion. We explain conditions + most-missed requirements.
• What is the WarmtefondsBorrow up to €69,000 for insulation + heat pump at 0% (low income) or 2-4% (other). Online application, decision in 6 weeks.
• What is gas-free 2050Dutch homes go off gas before 2050 — planned per neighbourhood via Heat Transition Vision. What you can do now + your rights.
• What is district heatingDistrict heating falls under a separate Heat Act — different tariffs, different complaints route. We explain NMDA, ACM oversight, and objection.
• What is a home batteryHome battery (5-15 kWh) becomes economic as net-metering phases out + dynamic tariffs grow. We map the conditions.
• What is EV home chargingEV charging 7-22 kW at home. 3×25A vs 3×35A, dynamic tariff, MRB exemption. We map 5 cost items.
• MIA + Vamil for SMEsMIA: 27-45% extra investment deduction. Vamil: 75% accelerated depreciation. For SMEs investing > €2,500 in energy. Application explained.
• What is EIA — Energy Investment DeductionEIA: 40% extra investment deduction on top of KIA for SME energy-saving investments > €2,500. Notify RVO within 3 months. Energy List explained.
• What is the energy-saving obligationStatutory duty for businesses > 50,000 kWh or > 25,000 m³ gas/year: implement all energy-saving measures with payback < 5 years. Plus reporting duty.
• What is the EMLPer-sector list of RVO-recognised energy-saving measures with payback < 5 years. Implement everything = automatic compliance.
• What is a home energy labelEnergy label (A+++ to G) is mandatory on sale/rent. Issued by certified EP advisor, valid 10 years. Costs + objection explained.
• What is the BENG normBENG sets three new-build requirements: energy demand, primary fossil energy, renewable share. We explain 3 indicators.
• What is SDE++SDE++ covers the gap between cost and market price for 12-15 years. For wind/solar/biomass/CO₂ storage at SMEs+industry. Autumn round opens annually.
• Rental sustainability + EPVAs a tenant you can request sustainability upgrades (70% co-tenant agreement). Landlord gets EPV for net-zero. Rights explained.
• What is the CO₂ price / ETSThe ETS price is what fossil producers pay per tonne of CO₂ — indirectly passed through to your electricity and gas bill. Mechanism explained.
• What is WKO heat-cold storageWKO stores summer heat underground for winter use via heat pump. Often collective in new-build areas — watch fixed monthly fee AND maintenance costs.