Netherlands district heating bills projected to rise 20% in 2027

More than 700,000 households in the Netherlands connected to district heating face a projected 20 percent increase in energy bills by 2027. This rise is driven by wholesale gas prices in Europe, which climbed from approximately 25 euros per megawatt-hour in early 2026 to between 80 and 83 euros in September.

Because district heating rates are legally pegged to natural gas prices, the surge in the gas market directly impacts utility costs. To determine the maximum rate heat suppliers can charge for 2027, the national regulator, the Consumer and Market Authority (ACM), will conduct three price measurements of one-year gas contracts this autumn, specifically on September 23, October 23, and November 23.

While a multi-date measurement mechanism was introduced in 2025 to mitigate the impact of temporary market spikes, experts warn that if gas prices remain high throughout the sampling period, the dampening effect may be minimal. Some analysts suggest that if wholesale prices remain at current levels, variable heating tariffs could potentially jump by as much as 40 to 45 percent.