Netherlands gas transport tariffs could quadruple by 2050

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has warned that natural gas transport tariffs could increase fourfold by 2050. As more households and businesses transition to sustainable energy, the fixed costs for maintaining, adapting, and eventually decommissioning the gas infrastructure must be distributed among a shrinking number of remaining users.

For an average household consuming 1,000 cubic meters of gas annually, transport costs could rise from approximately 200 euros last year to 790 euros by 2050. Large companies directly connected to the national grid may face even steeper increases. The ACM noted that many users, such as renters dependent on landlords for insulation or businesses with processes that cannot yet be electrified, are unable to leave the gas network immediately.

Netbeheer Nederland has expressed support for the ACM’s concerns, acknowledging that the declining number of connections combined with infrastructure maintenance costs directly impacts affordability. The organization emphasized that because grid operators are legally required to ensure safe and reliable access for all users, the responsibility for managing these costs lies with political decision-makers. They have called on the government to develop instruments that prevent the financial burden from falling disproportionately on the remaining gas users during the energy transition.