ACM imposes binding instruction on Kikker

Dutch energy supplier Kikker fails to meet the license conditions for energy suppliers that supply natural gas and electricity to households and other small-scale users. This has been revealed in an investigation by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). Kikker does not meet the relevant organizational and financial quality standards, which prevents ACM from properly assessing Kikker’s financial position.

ACM conducted an investigation into Kikker in the time period from June 30 to September 30, 2025, and has given the company time to put its affairs in order. If Kikker subsequently fails to comply with all statutory requirements, ACM will take follow-up measures.

Kikker has been placed under heightened oversight since 2024, and ACM took action against Kikker in 2024 because the company had run into financial problems at the time. Kikker solved these financial problems, and ACM has since continued to keep an extra close watch on the company. An ACM investigation has now revealed that Kikker has organizational and administrative problems, and that the company is unable to provide reliable financial information to ACM. That is why ACM has decided to take action against this.

Manon Leijten, Member of the Board of ACM, explains: “Energy supplier Kikker has been placed under heightened oversight for quite some time. After the company solved its financial problems last year, it is regrettable that we cannot help but conclude that Kikker fails to meet the financial quality standards. That’s why Kikker must now put its affairs in order.”

All energy suppliers that supply natural gas and/or electricity to households and other small-scale users must have a license from ACM. ACM assesses whether suppliers continue to comply with all license conditions. If a company fails to comply, ACM is able to ultimately revoke the license. Customers need not to worry about the supply of natural gas and electricity. If a supplier loses its license, ACM will initiate a special emergency procedure that ensures that customers continue to receive gas and electricity.

Kikker Energie has stated that it acknowledges that, as a license holder, it must continue to comply with the license conditions. Kikker disputes that the current situation constitutes a violation, and an appeal procedure against that decision is still pending at the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb). Nevertheless, Kikker has made a commitment to ACM that it will take the necessary measures.