ACM sets the heat tariffs for 2026

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has set the maximum heat tariffs for 2026. In 2026, the variable tariff for heat will go down up to a maximum of 40.97 euros per gigajoule (GJ, was 43.79 euros). Next to these variable costs, heat consumers also pay fixed costs. In 2026, these costs will go up to a maximum of 827.91 euros per year (was 760.77 euros). The maximum tariffs set by ACM are the maximum amounts that heat suppliers are allowed to charge. Heat suppliers are not allowed to abuse the maximum tariffs, and are only allowed to charge the maximum if that is truly necessary for earning a reasonable return.

As a result of these changes, an average household with a yearly consumption of 25GJ will pay up to 3.34 euros less for the supply of heat. For households with low consumptions, the costs may actually go up. For example, a household with a yearly consumption of 5GJ will pay up to 53.04 euros more next year.

Households that are connected to a heat network are not able to choose their own heat supplier. To protect heat consumers against unreasonably high tariffs, ACM each year sets the maximum tariffs for heat.

How does ACM calculate the heat tariffs?

The method that ACM must use for setting the maximum tariffs has been laid down in various regulations. According to this method, ACM must take as a starting point the average costs of a household with a gas-fired boiler. This is also called the natural-gas reference price or the ‘no-more-than-otherwise principle’ (in Dutch: niet-meer-dan-anders principe). ACM calculates the variable tariff per GJ on the basis of the average price of a fixed contract for the supply of natural gas. Starting this year, ACM uses three reference dates for determining this average price (September, October, and November). ACM sets the fixed costs on the basis of the average maintenance costs and depreciation costs of a gas-fired central-heating boiler as well as the system operation costs, the metering tariffs, and the fixed supply tariffs for natural gas. The maximum rental price for the heat interface unit are calculated by ACM on the basis of the average costs that suppliers incur for this. The costs for the heat interface unit are subsequently deducted from the average costs of a household with a gas-fired boiler in order to get the fixed supply tariff for heat.

Preparing for the ‘new Dutch Heat Act’

The Dutch Senate will soon vote on the Dutch Collective Heat Bill (in Dutch: Wetsvoorstel Collectieve Warmte, or WCW). Under this new act, it is planned to gradually phase out the ‘no-more-than-otherwise principle’. ACM will instead use the actual costs of suppliers for setting the heat tariffs. If the law comes into effect on 1 January 2027, the heat tariffs will, in the first phase, still be set in accordance with the no-more-than-otherwise principle.