Record number of consumers have switched energy providers

Never before have so many consumers in the Netherlands switched energy providers as in the past twelve months. Between mid-2015 and mid-2016, 17 percent of all energy consumers did so. Consumers that have already switched at least once, do so more often. Approximately 64 percent of this group has switched twice or more. These are some of the conclusions of the Energy Monitor that the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has published.

By switching, consumers force energy providers to compete with one another. That will lead to better service and to lower prices. Dutch consumers are able to save up to EUR 300 per year on their energy bills. Exactly how much each household can save depends on the contract length. Consumers that have never switched before, will be able to save the most.

Henk Don, Member of the Board of ACM, adds: “ACM finds it important that consumers are truly able to compare the offerings of the more than fifty energy providers in the market. That is why the energy providers have agreed that, from now on, offers must be tailored to the individual customer’s needs.  Such personalized offers are easier to understand, and can be compared with other offers more easily. This will make it easier for consumers to make a choice and to switch, if they wish to do so.”

Recent publications of European bodies ACER (Agency for the cooperation of energy regulators) and CEER (Council of European energy regulators) have revealed that the Netherlands has one of the most competitive markets in Europe for both electricity and natural gas. In the Netherlands, relatively many consumers switch energy providers. When switching, they are able to choose from a relatively wide selection of suppliers, and are able to compare prices easily.