Netherlands ACM flags heating bill spikes, bans gas price hikes in fixed contracts

The Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) released a study showing that, under a new cost‑based method for calculating district‑heating tariffs, about 10 % of households could see their annual bill rise by more than €740 – a 71 % increase – while another 10 % could benefit from a 29 % drop. The simulation, based on 2024 data, highlights how differences in network age, heat source and maintenance costs could create large disparities once the new collective‑heat law is applied.

In a separate ruling, the ACM warned energy suppliers that fixed‑price gas contracts may not be increased when upcoming CO₂‑tax and green‑gas blending regulations take effect. Suppliers that included price‑adjustment clauses were ordered to remove them, and price changes will be allowed only for network fees, taxes or VAT. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS‑2) starts on 1 January 2028, and mandatory green‑gas blending begins next year.