Your annual energy statement has arrived, and you owe more money. Did you use more gas and electricity, pay too little in monthly advances, or receive an incorrect bill? This guide helps you check the figures in a Dutch energy statement.
The statement shows your actual costs for the billing period, then subtracts the advance payments you already made. The period may differ from the calendar year. District heating normally has a separate statement from the heat supplier, as the Dutch government explains.
What appears on the annual energy statement?
Start with the opening and closing dates. Then find these items:
- Usage: electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and gas in cubic metres (m3), calculated from meter readings.
- Supply charges: the contract price per unit and fixed supplier fees. A rate change can split the year into several periods.
- Grid fees: charges for the connection, transport and meter, collected by your supplier for the grid operator.
- Taxes: energy tax and VAT, plus the energy-tax reduction for an eligible electricity connection.
- Solar power: electricity sent to the grid, how it was offset and any compensation or feed-in charge that applies to your contract.
- Advances: the monthly amounts you already paid. The balance shows your refund or extra payment.
The Dutch regulator ACM lists the information a statement must contain. The government explains the tax lines. For budgeting, see our guide to monthly energy costs.
Check your energy bill step by step
- Check the address and dates. Make sure the bill covers only the time you held the contract. A move or supplier switch also leads to a final statement.
- Check the meter readings. Compare the opening and closing figures with photos, your previous statement or smart-meter data. Look for readings marked as estimates. Check exported electricity too if you have solar panels.
- Check each rate period. Compare the unit prices and fixed fees with your contract and rate-change notices. A variable price may have changed during the year.
- Check tax and solar entries. Look for the tax reduction and the solar items that apply to your contract. Compare prices with VAT on the same basis.
- Add up your advances. Use bank statements to find any missing payment, then compare the total with the balance on the bill.
Your supplier may estimate usage when readings are missing. ACM ConsuWijzer advises keeping dated meter photos, especially when you move or a rate changes.
Why do you owe money or receive a refund?
An advance is an estimate, not the price of your actual usage. Suppose the total annual cost is €1,800 and you paid €140 twelve times. You prepaid €1,680, so you owe €120. If the total cost was €1,560 instead, you would receive €120 back. These figures illustrate the arithmetic; they are not average costs or a forecast.
An extra payment can reflect greater usage, higher rates or an advance set too low. A refund may simply mean you paid too much in advance. Divide your real annual cost by twelve for a more useful monthly budget. Add it to your fixed expenses and review ways to lower energy use.
If the statement looks wrong
Mark the disputed line. Gather your contract, rate notices, dated meter photos and proof of payment. Ask the supplier in writing for an explanation or correction, stating exactly which reading, rate or payment you dispute. ACM explains the complaint process.
This week, check the dates, readings and advances on your latest statement. Keep it with your contract. It will help you set the next advance and maintain your household-cost overview.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Consider consulting a qualified professional about your personal situation.