Dutch households will pay a bit more for their electricity and gas connections next year. The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has approved higher network management fees (netbeheerkosten) for 2026, which are charged by grid operators for using the energy network.
According to industry group Netbeheer Nederland, an average household with both a gas and electricity connection will pay about €4 more per month in 2026 than in 2025, or roughly €50 extra per year.
The higher bill is not due to more expensive energy itself. In fact, wholesale prices for gas and power have fallen sharply compared to the energy crisis peak. Instead, the increase comes from rising costs for grid operators, who have to invest heavily in:
Expanding and reinforcing the electricity network for the energy transition
Connecting more solar panels, wind farms and electric cars
Maintaining and modernising existing cables and pipes
For many households, the higher fixed network fees will be partly or fully offset by lower variable energy prices, depending on their supplier and contract.
Why grid fees are going up
Grid operators say the Dutch energy network is under heavy pressure. In many regions, the electricity grid is “full”, causing waiting lists for companies that want a new or larger connection. To solve this, operators must invest billions of euros in upgrades over the coming years.
The ACM checks whether the requested tariffs are reasonable and then sets maximum rates for 2026. These tariffs apply to all households and small businesses, regardless of which energy supplier they use. The network fees appear as a separate line on the energy bill.
While the monthly increase is modest, consumer organisations warn that it comes on top of other costs, such as higher municipal taxes or waste charges in some areas.
Tap water also more expensive in several provinces
On top of slightly higher energy network fees, tap water will also become more expensive for many Dutch households next year. Several large drinking water companies have announced rate hikes for 2026.
The increases affect customers of:
Oasen – parts of Zuid-Holland and Utrecht
Dunea – parts of Zuid-Holland, including The Hague and Leiden region
PWN – parts of Noord-Holland
WMD – the province of Drenthe
These companies point to higher costs for:
Replacing and maintaining ageing pipes
Protecting and purifying drinking water sources
Meeting stricter quality and environmental requirements
Exact price rises differ per provider and will be detailed on their websites and annual customer letters. In some regions, households will pay dozens of euros more per year for water, depending on their usage and fixed charges.
Tariffs for other water companies in the rest of the country will be announced later, so more Dutch households may also face higher water bills.
Combined impact on household budgets
For a typical household, the combined effect in 2026 is:
Around €4 extra per month in electricity and gas network fees
A higher annual water bill, size depending on region and consumption
At the same time, lower market prices for gas and power mean the total energy bill may still be lower or roughly stable compared to the peak crisis years, especially for households with variable contracts or those who use less gas.
Still, the news means Dutch households should expect slightly higher fixed utility costs next year and may want to check new offers from energy suppliers, and monitor their energy and water use more closely. In addition, you can choose to use saving measures, such as shorter showers or better insulation
