Energy meters, moving, final bills and outages in the Netherlands

Most utility disputes after a move start with one small thing: the opening or closing meter reading. Photograph the meters on the handover date, keep the meter numbers in view where possible, and submit the readings through the supplier’s requested channel.

Moving electricity and gas

ACM ConsuWijzer advises telling your energy supplier about the move as early as possible and no later than about 2 weeks before the move. You can often continue the current contract at the new address or choose another supplier. If you choose a new supplier, do not forget that the old address still needs to be closed and a fixed contract may create an exit fee.

During an overlap, a supplier may be able to serve both addresses temporarily. Ask rather than assuming this is automatic.

Meter readings: the evidence pack

Photograph electricity, gas and water readings on the key-transfer date.
Include the meter serial number if readable.
Keep the signed handover report/inventory.
Submit electricity/gas readings within the supplier’s window; ConsuWijzer says within 5 working days after a move or switch when readings are needed.
Check the final bill uses the same reading rather than an unexplained estimate.

Annual and final energy bills

You normally receive an annual bill once a year. After a switch or move, the energy supplier must send the final bill within 6 weeks. Compare consumption, dates, tariffs, advances already paid, network charges and any solar export entries.

Smart meter or digital meter?

A smart meter can send readings automatically to the network operator. The operator passes appropriate readings to the supplier for billing and monthly consumption/cost information. More detailed day/hour/quarter-hour data requires the relevant permission/use under the current privacy rules.

In 2026, households that still have an old analogue meter can receive a free replacement request. ACM ConsuWijzer says replacement can no longer simply be refused; you can normally choose between a remotely readable smart meter and a digital meter that does not send readings remotely. If remote reading is disabled or you choose the non-remote digital option, you remain responsible for supplying readings when required.

Power or gas outage

If there is a gas smell, loss of gas/electricity or a meter/network fault, the Dutch national outage number is 0800-9009, free and available day and night. For a suspected gas leak, avoid flames/sparks, ventilate where safe, close the main gas valve if you can do so safely and follow emergency instructions. Call 112 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Compensation for a long electricity outage

For a normal small household electricity connection up to 3x25A, ACM ConsuWijzer currently states: no standard compensation below 4 hours; €35 for a 4-8 hour outage; then €20 extra for each further completed 4-hour period. Planned maintenance that was properly announced uses different rules. The network operator normally pays qualifying compensation automatically within 6 months.

Common billing mistakes after moving

Old occupant’s reading used as your starting point.
Reading estimated because nobody submitted the handover value.
Old supplier continues collecting advances after the contract should have ended.
New and old address periods overlap incorrectly.
Solar import/export registers are read incorrectly.
Landlord service-cost meter is confused with the direct supplier meter.