Major energy providers have initiated warnings to customers with variable contracts, signaling an impending increase in next year's gas and electricity tariffs, reports Nu.nl.

The surge in prices stems from volatility in international gas markets and an impending rise in gas taxes slated for implementation in January. Moreover, the government's price caps on energy bills are set to expire, further contributing to the anticipated escalation in costs.

The government's move to elevate gas taxes aims to incentivize a shift towards electricity consumption. However, this strategy's continuity might hinge upon the outcomes of ongoing government coalition discussions. The proposal also awaits approval from the upper house of parliament, with a scheduled vote in December.

Estimates by Energievergelijk.nl suggest that the increased tax on gas will add approximately 11 cents to a cubic meter, translating to around €11 per month for an average user. Additionally, the current price ceiling of €1.45 per cubic meter for gas consumption up to 1,200 cubic meters annually will terminate come January.

Conversely, variable tariff customers may experience a marginal decrease in electricity costs next year. Both Vattenvall and Essent anticipate rates significantly below the existing ceiling of €0.40 for electricity consumption up to 2,900 kWh.

While roughly four million individuals in the Netherlands remain on variable contracts, an increasing number are transitioning to fixed-fee structures. Surprisingly, Essent's research suggests that 25% of consumers are unaware of the impending removal of the price cap next year.

Koen Kuijper from energievergelijk.nl emphasized the looming challenge for Dutch households with the abolishment of the energy price cap in January 2024. He stressed the urgency for consumers to reassess their energy contracts in light of rising gas prices driven by market instability and amplified taxes. Photo by user:Yanachka, Wikimedia commons.