Approximately three million Dutch households are overpaying for electricity and gas by remaining on variable energy contracts instead of switching to cheaper options, according to data released by comparison website Energievergelijk.
nl.
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The platform estimates that 37 percent of households in the Netherlands currently hold a variable contract.
Following the implementation of new energy tariffs on July 1, these specific households are projected to spend an average of 242 euros extra per year.
Loyal customers who stay with the same energy supplier for multiple years also miss out on substantial welcome discounts intended for new consumers.
Separate research by Keuze.
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nl indicated that extension offers from existing providers can look up to 540 euros per year more expensive than switching to a competitor.
While variable contracts provide flexibility by allowing rates to change multiple times a year, they expose consumers directly to price hikes.
According to Energievergelijk. nl, fixed and dynamic contracts currently offer more financial advantages for the majority of households.
Fixed contracts secure stable pricing for a set duration, whereas dynamic contracts adjust prices hourly for electricity and daily for gas based on market fluctuations.
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Choosing the correct contract has also become vital for solar panel owners due to the phasing out of the netting scheme, which has prompted suppliers to widen differences in feed-in tariffs.
