Significant increase in grid tariffs
The grid tariffs rose considerably in 2023. This is largely attributable to higher energy prices; we have to purchase grid losses at these higher prices. In addition, the costs for the use of the high-voltage grid have increased. We pay a fee to TenneT for the transmission of energy over this national grid to our regional grids. The third pillar underlying the tariff increase is the exceptionally high price inflation in 2022 (+12%, calculated by the supervisor ACM based on figures from Statics Netherlands (CBS)). Excluding VAT effects (in 2022 there was a temporary VAT reduction as compensation for the higher energy prices), households paid 16.5% more for their combined electricity and gas bill in 2023 than in 2022.
We expect a considerable increase in the grid tariffs again in 2024. TenneT's costs are rising further and a tariff increase is required to continue to build the energy grid of the future. In accordance with the ACM, we have determined that the combined electricity and gas bill, including meter rent, for households will increase by 22.9% in 2024. This amounts to approximately € 10 per month (including VAT).
Tariff model based on actual demand
As a result of our work in connection with the energy transition and the higher purchase costs of transmission at the national grid operator TenneT, grid operation costs will increase further in the coming years. This also leads to higher tariffs for customers. We advocate a tariff model, based on actual customer demand for transmission capacity. This stimulates customers to make more efficient use of the grid. We also advocate the use of a well-balanced mix of instruments to limit the tariff increase and accommodate the wishes of customers in as far as possible. For example, with technical or contractual measures or advice. All these measures should result in higher grid efficiency and a limited increase in costs.
The ACM, together with grid operators and other parties, started an investigation in 2023 into the desirability and possibility of introducing tariffs for feeding electricity back into the grid. At present, consumers of electricity are paying for the whole infrastructure. Power plants, wind turbines, solar parks, and businesses and households with solar panels can deliver the energy that they generate to the grid free of costs. We are of the opinion that everyone who uses the grid should pay. In addition, tariffs help to reduce feed-in during peak hours.
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1The VAT rate was lowered temporarily in 2022 from 21% to 9%.
For comparison purposes, a VAT rate of 21% was used for the whole year 2022 in the calculation.