Business · Energy & Commodities · 8 hrs ago
Dutch households weigh fixed, variable and dynamic energy contracts
Dutch households are facing rising energy prices as oil and gas have become more expensive during the war in the Middle East.
Shell and Vattenfall both reported that their profits doubled over the past three months, while the gas price rose above 100 euros per megawatt-hour for the first time since autumn 2022.
Consumers are weighing fixed, variable and dynamic energy contracts, but there is no single best choice for everyone.
A fixed contract can provide price certainty, but customers may keep paying a higher rate if energy prices fall.
With a variable contract, prices change several times a year, while dynamic prices can change daily or even hourly.
Gas prices also affect electricity costs because more than a third of Dutch electricity is still generated in gas-fired power stations.
The Dutch government says it will use the Energy Emergency Fund and insulation subsidies to support households that need the most help.
Dutch households are weighing fixed, variable and dynamic energy contracts as gas prices rise.
The gas price passed 100 euros per megawatt-hour for the first time since autumn 2022, according to NOS.
Consumer groups say people are asking what to do, but there is no single answer that suits everyone.
A fixed contract can offer price certainty, while a variable or dynamic contract can change as market prices shift.
The Dutch government says it will support households most in need through an energy emergency fund and insulation subsidies.
- Who
- Dutch households choosing energy contracts, alongside energy companies, consumer groups and the government.
- What
- Households are weighing fixed, variable and dynamic contracts as energy prices rise.
- When
- Published on 29 October 2026; the article says prices have been rising for months.
- Where
- The Netherlands.
- Why
- Rising oil and gas prices, linked in the article to the war in the Middle East, are increasing household energy costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Oil and gas prices have been rising because of the war in the Middle East.
The gas price passed 100 euros per megawatt-hour for the first time since autumn 2022.
NOS published its report on households considering energy contract options.
- Gas price
- More than 100 euros per megawatt-hour
- Fixed contract example
- Three years
- Harm's energy bill
- More than 300 euros per month
- Harm's gas price
- More than 2 euros per cubic metre, compared with about 1.10 euros a year earlier
- Electricity from gas plants
- More than one-third of Dutch electricity generation
What people are saying
Many questions from people about what they should do. It is very much on people's minds.
We are moving this week, so we had to take out a new contract. It is just like investing: you do not really know what it will be like. So that is why we fixed it for three years.
I am now above 2 euros per cubic metre. A year ago it was something like 1.10 euros.
I am very glad I did that.