Utilities & Household Bills
When you move into a home in the Netherlands, you may need to arrange utilities and household services such as gas, electricity, water, internet, TV, and phone. Some services may already be connected when you move in, but you are often responsible for registering with the right provider, submitting meter readings, and paying the bills.
This page explains what to know about utilities and household bills in the Netherlands, including energy providers, water services, internet and TV packages, mobile phone plans, meter readings, and comparing contracts.
What you can find on this page:
Before you arrange utilities
Before arranging new contracts, check what is already included in your rent or housing agreement. Some rental homes include utilities in the rent, while others require you to arrange and pay for utilities yourself.
Your rental contract, landlord, or housing agency should be able to tell you which services are included and which ones you need to arrange separately. Also check from which date you become responsible for the property, whether the home uses gas, electricity, district heating, or another heating system, and whether internet or TV is already connected.
It is useful to take photos of meter readings on the day you move in. This can help prevent confusion about usage or bills from a previous tenant.
Gas and electricity
Many homes in the Netherlands use electricity and gas, although some homes use district heating, heat pumps, or other heating systems. What you need to arrange depends on the property.
If gas and electricity are not included in your rent, you usually need to choose an energy provider and sign a contract. Energy costs can depend on your provider, contract type, energy usage, household size, home insulation, and the type of heating system in the property.
Your monthly payment is often an advance payment based on expected usage. At the end of the year or contract period, the provider checks your actual usage. You may receive money back or need to pay extra, depending on how much energy you used.
When comparing energy contracts, look at more than the monthly amount. Also check whether the rate is fixed or variable, how long the contract lasts, what the cancellation rules are, and whether customer service is available in English.
Comparing utility prices
Price comparison websites are commonly used in the Netherlands for energy, internet, TV, phone, insurance, and other household services. These websites can help you compare providers, prices, contract lengths, and available deals.
Some comparison platforms also show temporary discounts or cashback offers. These can be useful, but always check the full contract details before signing. A low first-year price may become more expensive later, and cancellation rules can differ per provider.
It is also worth checking the provider’s own website before making a final decision. The same package may have different conditions depending on where you apply, and not every comparison website includes every provider.
Water services
Tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink and usually already connected when you move into a home. However, you may still need to register with the water company for your address and provide the meter reading from the day you move in.
The water company depends on where you live. In the Northern Netherlands, this may be Waterbedrijf Groningen, WMD Water, or Vitens, depending on your province or municipality.
Water services are different from water board tax. Water services are about the drinking water supplied to your home. Water board tax is a local or regional tax related to water management and wastewater treatment.
Internet, TV, and mobile phone plans
Many providers in the Netherlands offer internet, TV, and mobile phone services. You can often choose between internet-only, internet and TV, SIM-only mobile plans, prepaid SIM cards, or combined household packages. Some providers still offer landline phone services, but many households no longer use a landline.
Before choosing an internet provider, check what is available at your address. Availability can depend on whether the home has fibre, cable, DSL, or another connection type. Some providers may not be available in every area.
If you work or study from home, check the connection speed and reliability before choosing a package. It is also useful to arrange internet early, as installation or activation can take time.
Whether you need a Dutch mobile phone number depends on your situation. Some people can continue using a phone number from another EU country, while others prefer a Dutch number for work, appointments, deliveries, or local services.
Mobile phone options usually include a phone contract, SIM-only subscription, or prepaid SIM card. A phone contract may involve a credit check or minimum contract period. A SIM-only subscription can be cheaper if you already have a phone, while a prepaid SIM card can be useful if you want flexibility or do not yet have all the documents needed for a contract.
When comparing providers, check the monthly cost, contract length, installation time, cancellation rules, equipment costs, mobile data limits, customer service language, and whether an installation appointment is needed. Some providers may ask for identification, a Dutch address, a Dutch bank account, a BSN, or a residence document, depending on the type of plan.
Appliances, plugs, and voltage
If you bring electrical appliances from outside Europe, check whether they are suitable for use in the Netherlands. Dutch homes use European plug types and standard European voltage.
Some non-European appliances may need a plug adapter or transformer. Large appliances can also be difficult to use or repair if they do not fit Dutch homes, use a different voltage, or require parts that are not available locally.
Before bringing large appliances, check the available space, plug type, voltage, installation requirements, and whether local repair services can support the appliance.
Keeping track of household bills
Household bills can include energy, water, internet, TV, phone, and mobile plans. Local taxes and municipal charges are separate and may arrive from your municipality, water board, or regional tax office.
Keep your contracts, customer numbers, meter readings, payment amounts, and cancellation deadlines in one place. This makes it easier to compare costs, change providers, or end contracts when you move.
Many providers use direct debit, known in Dutch as automatische incasso. Before agreeing to direct debit, check the amount, payment frequency, and cancellation rules.
FAQ about Utilities & Household Bills
How do I arrange gas and electricity in the Netherlands?
If gas and electricity are not included in your rent, you usually need to choose an energy provider and sign a contract. Compare rates, contract length, monthly advance payments, cancellation rules, customer service, and green energy options before choosing a provider.
Can I use price comparison websites for utilities in the Netherlands?
Yes. Price comparison websites are commonly used in the Netherlands for energy, internet, TV, phone, insurance, and other household services. They can help you compare prices and contract conditions, but always check the provider’s own terms before signing.
Are utilities included in rent in the Netherlands?
Sometimes, but not always. Some rental homes include utilities in the rent, while others require you to arrange and pay for utilities yourself. Check your rental contract or ask your landlord or housing agency before signing new contracts.
Do I need to arrange water services when I move in?
Tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink and is usually already connected when you move into a home. However, you may still need to register with the correct water company for your address and provide a meter reading from the day you move in.
What is the difference between water services and water board tax?
Water services refer to the drinking water supplied to your home by a water company. Water board tax (waterschapsbelasting) is a local or regional tax related to water management and wastewater treatment. These are usually arranged and billed separately.