The Dutch energy market is competitive, with many providers offering business energy. Below is an overview of the most well known business energy suppliers in the Netherlands.
- Eneco: Eneco is one of the largest energy providers in the Netherlands and offers a wide range of business energy solutions. They focus heavily on sustainability ad help companies reduce their carbon footprint. Eneco supplies electricity, gas and services like solar panel installation, heat pump and EV charging solutions.
- Vattenfall (formerly Nuon): Vattenfall is an international energy supplier with a strong presence in the Netherlands. They serve small entrepreneurs, large enterprises and government institutions. Sustainability and innovation are at the core of their business offering.
- Essent: Essent provides energy to both SMEs and large corporations, offering contracts tailored t o a business’s size and type. Energy efficiency and sustainability are key priorities, including personalized advice and green energy investments.
- Greenchoice: Greenchoice focusses exclusively on green energy, offering only electricity from renewable sources. They support companies looking to reduce their environmental impact. They are popular among sustainable businesses and organizations with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
- ENGIE: ENGIE is a European player emphasizing innovation, sustainability and technical solutions. They provide not only energy supply but also energy efficiency projects, district heating systems and consultancy services.
- OM Nieuwe Energie: a cooperative energy provider that collaborates with local energy cooperatives. They deliver 100% locally generated green electricity, making them ideal for businesses that want to support local renewable energy production.
- Budget Energy, Oxxio, Delta and other budget providers: these providers focus on offering low prices and simple contracts. They are suitable for cost conscious entrepreneurs but may provide fewer additional services.
How does a business energy contract work?
A business energy contract outlines the terms under which your company purchases gas and or electricity from a supplier. Various contract types are available, depending on the company’s usage profile.
Fixed contracts: with a fixed contract the energy price remains the same throughout the contract period. This offers stability but you wont benefit from potential market price drops. It is ideal for companies seeking predictable costs.
Variable contracts: price change usually twice a year, in January and July. This structure offers more flexibility but less predictability. If market prices fall you might benefit.
Dynamic contract: increasingly popular: change hourly based on real time market prices (spot market). This is advantageous for companies that can adjust usage to cheaper hours, such as those with energy storage or process flexibility.
What to consider when choosing an energy contract?
- Selecting a business energy contract is not one size fits all. Keep the following in mind when choosing a supplier and contract.
- Annual consumption, analyze how much electricity and gas your business uses. This heavily influences the best supplier and contract type.
- Connection type, small business users usually have a small consumption connection. Large consumers have a large consumption connection which qualifies them for customized rates and conditions.
- Contract duration, contracts vary from 1 to 5 years. Shorter terms offer flexibility, longer ones offer more price certainty.
- Sustainability goals, want to go green? Suppliers like Greenchoice, OM or Eneco are a ideal.
- Service & support, consider customer service, online platforms and extras like energy audits, monitoring or flexible invoicing.
- Termination terms and fees, always check what the conditions are if you terminate early or switch suppliers.
Tax benefits and subsidies for businesses
There are several tax benefits and subsidies for entrepreneurs when it comes to energy”
- VAT reclaim: business energy is taxed at 21% VAT, which can be reclaimed through your VAT return.
- Energy Investment Allowance (EIA): business that invest in energy saving technologies or renewable energy may qualify for tax deductions.
- SDE++ and ISDE Subsidies: government grants for sustainable energy generation and insulation measures.
- Grid operator fees: for large users, transport costs are charged separately by the grid operator.
Tip: comparing energy deals pays off
Use business energy comparison websites of consult an energy advisor. They can help compare prices and offer insights into your consumption profile and optimization opportunities. And remember: energy is not just a cost it is also an opportunity to innovate and grow sustainably.
What can Zakelijke Energietarieven do for you?
We at Zakelijke Energietarieven relieve business owners of all their energy issues. We can help you with all your questions about business energy contracts. You can also contact us with questions about green energy contracts and what the possibilities are for your company. We have been helping international companies for many years.