ACM aims for substantially lower tariffs for consumers

Network operators charge consumers tariffs for the transmission of electricity and natural gas and for being connected to the energy networks. These tariffs will be reduced considerably over the next few years. Households will thus save, on average, dozens of euros per year. At the same time, network operators will have room to offer quality, security of supply will be guaranteed, and network operators will continue to be able to invest in innovative products and services such as in technology that anticipates the expected production growth in sustainable energy.

These are some of the conclusions the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) draws following the draft decisions it published earlier today concerning the tariffs for the next three years (2014-2016). Total expected savings for Dutch buyers of electricity and natural gas compared with the previous period (2011-2013) will be at least EUR 500 million.

One of the reasons for the savings of dozens of euros per household is the low interest rate, making it possible for network operators to obtain cheap loans. In addition, ACM has ensured that the regulatory methods continue to have enough incentives for network operators to realize the necessary efficiency improvements.

Henk Don, Member of the Board of ACM, comments: ‘With these draft decisions, we have struck the right balance between affordability for consumers, and opportunities for network operators to make necessary investments with an eye to security of supply.´

For the next six weeks, national and regional network operators are given the opportunity to comment on the draft decisions. These decisions will be finalized in fall 2013, after which ACM will set the tariffs.