ACM: EETRIP is the heat supplier of the residents of residential building De Trip, and must comply with the Dutch Heat Act

Energie Exploitatie De Trip B.V. (EETRIP) is the heat supplier of the residents of 253 homes in residential building De Trip in the central Dutch city of Utrecht. This is the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). This means that EETRIP must comply with the Dutch Heat Act (in Dutch: Warmtewet), and that it is responsible for a secure supply of heat to the residents. It also means that, in the case of any issues with the supply of heat, EETRIP is statutorily required to resolve these quickly. In addition, EETRIP must publish information about disruptions, and it must pay compensations for disruptions to residents that are entitled to such compensations. EETRIP also must inform residents properly about the conditions of their supply contracts.

EETRIP is the owner of the Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system to which 253 homes in residential building De Trip are connected. When renting a home in the building, residents are required to take out a contract with EETRIP for their heat supply. Residents cannot switch to different heat suppliers, and are therefore bound to the supply of heat by EETRIP. EETRIP is the heat supplier of the residents, and must therefore comply with the Dutch Heat Act.

ACM has conducted an investigation into EETRIP following reports from residents as well as reports in the media about long-lasting disruptions in the supply of heat. The investigation has revealed that EETRIP did not inform residents properly about the heat supply in the building. Residents do not know who is responsible for their heat supply, and are not aware that EETRIP must comply with the obligations laid down in the Dutch Heat Act. In addition, EETRIP did not inform residents that they are able to file a complaint with the Dutch Foundation for Consumer Complaints Boards (in Dutch: De Geschillencommissie). ACM has decided to take action against EETRIP in order to ensure that it will start complying with the law. If EETRIP fails to do so, it must pay periodic penalty payments, up to a maximum of 175,000 euros.

Through a joint venture partner, EETRIP is associated with several other businesses that supply heat to residence buildings. ACM previously took action against two of those businesses. Due to ongoing reports, ACM in 2024 launched a broad investigation because of suspicions that other businesses in this group, too, did not comply with the Dutch Heat Act or the Dutch Act on Enforcement of Consumer Protection (in Dutch: Wet handhaving consumentenbescherming). ACM continues with this investigation.