I have read and heard so many stories of people dying to live in the Netherlands. The country which is popularly known as Holland evokes so many thoughts especially among good readers. Mark you, there is always this saying that “God created the earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.” For more details on how the Dutch created the Netherlands, read here.
The industry and dedication of the Dutch heralded an era in which a whole province was claimed from the sea. Probably this kind of energy, innovation and foresight are among the things that may easily drive people to relocate and live in the Netherlands. I also did not mention about the great developments in information, communication and technology plus the strong willed single Dutch ready to mingle. There is just a lot to experience in the Netherlands.
Aside from the beauty and attractiveness of the Netherlands, anyone serious may wish to know how life could be in the country. One thing that stands out with Netherlands is that the seasons bring a great difference. So many who arrive in the Netherlands may be taken away and swear with their lives to live longer in the country; not until winter comes. Actually, those who have landed at the Schiphol Airport even on connecting flights during winter, spring or even Autumn can confess how cloudy and chilly it looks from up in the sky.
Heating is all you need to go through Summer in the Netherlands
The summer season can be deceptive for those who arrive at such a time. tThe warm season coupled with bright and welcoming smiles would make you think that the extremely cold and dark signature marks of European countries only exist in tales. But that is not the case. Western European countries experience freezing winters.
Winter nights in the Netherlands on several occasions drop below freezing, and even the days can be chilly. The relative humidity is dark, cloudy, and dull. House heating becomes necessary. The sea waters are extremely cold below 5°C (41°F) and not suitable for swimming and other human water contact activities. Electricity accessibility and costs do not escape the minds of everyone.
Energy Production in the Netherlands
In conformity with the European Union’s Green deal, the Dutch government is aiming at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by ninety-five percent by the year 2050. In addition to greater energy efficiency, the Netherlands hopes to reduce its dependency on emission-intensive energy sources like coal and natural gas.
The country’s climate policy focuses on the sectors of electricity, and industry including agriculture, the built and natural environment, and transportation. Gas is the main fuel produced in the country, while renewables account for less than twenty percent. More on Netherlands climate commitment can be found at www.government.nl/topics/climate-change/climate-policy.
Heating Energy Markets in the Netherlands
From the time it was discovered in 1959, the Groningen natural gas field has made a huge contribution to energy use in the Netherlands. However, several earthquakes over the last few years as a result of production activity have caused damage to tens of thousands of homes. The increased seismic activity has led to the Dutch government setting up a maximum production level, together with plans to put to end production by 2030.
It is now a requirement by the Dutch government that all new buildings be ‘Almost Energy Neutral’ (that is by having an energy performance certificate of 0.4) by the end of 2021, and a target to phase out gas heating entirely by 2050.
There has been an increase in customer interest in ‘gas-free’ solutions. This is largely focused on heat pumps, leading to market growth of more than fifty percent per year. Energy and related industries have followed suit. There has been an increase in electric-only and hybrid pump solutions on the market.
How to Get Electricity Connection in the Netherlands
When planning for an electricity connection in the Netherlands, one would be surprised and spoilt with choices. The energy market is liberalized hence you can choose which electricity or gas supplier you use.
Most of the service providers will offer you package deals. This means that you can save money if you get your electricity, gas, and even district heating from one supplier. Many suppliers are turning to green energies. You are therefore able to choose a more sustainable source of power for your home usage.
Whether you are in a rented apartment or your own home, you will probably need to set up your electricity and gas connections. When buying a house in the Netherlands, you can be able to transfer electricity service to your name from the previous owner or tenant. This can prove convenient for some homeowners. It takes away the need to find your electricity providers.
After choosing your supplier and energy tariffs, it will be time to connect. Setting up your account with a provider is easy and simple. You can do this through your phone or the energy supplier’s website. You will be required to produce identity documents and records as proof of identity. A bank statement or proof of municipality of residence from your municipality will also be needed.
What You need to know when Paying Energy Bills in the Netherlands
According to the recent reading of the Global Petrol Prices website, electricity prices in the Netherlands was 0.331 U.S. Dollar for households and 0.247 U.S. Dollar for businesses. The bills include all components such as the cost of power, distribution, and taxes.
When paying your energy bills, you will be required to pay two separate fees. The first bill is for the amount of energy used. While the second one will be for power network usage. The power networks are operated and coordinated at a regional level by the netbeheerder.
In the Netherlands, most energy suppliers will combine the two payments on your bill. However, there are moments when the invoices are sent separately. You will be required to pay both to continue enjoying the service.
List of Energy Suppliers in the Netherlands
Energy suppliers in the Netherlands. This is because the market is liberalized. The following is a list of some of them:
- Engie
- Greenchoice
- Pure Energie
- Essent
- Vattenfall
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