Savings on Energy Can Reach EUR 150

A household with average energy consumption, which currently purchases relatively expensive energy, can save a maximum of EUR 150 on its annual energy bill by purchasing cheaper energy. This appears from the tariff data of the Dutch energy suppliers for the fourth quarter of 2004, which the Office of Energy Regulation (DTe) requests every quarter from the energy suppliers.

If the highest tariffs are compared to the lowest tariffs, an average household (with an annual consumption of 3,375 KwH of electricity and 1,815 cubic metres of gas) can save a maximum of EUR 30 on grey electricity, EUR 50 on green electricity and EUR 100 on gas. DTe notes that these amounts are the maximum amounts that can be saved per household.

amount is EUR 50. Another striking feature is that where most money can be saved, namely on gas, customers switch suppliers least.

The amount that can be saved depends on consumption, whether one has a single or double meter and the choice for green or grey electricity. In choosing a supplier, in addition to price consumers can also consider service and quality. Consumers can consult DTe's website to ascertain whether complaints and reports have been received on a energy supplier with regard to switching, billing and the acquisition methods used. Consumers may also take this information into account in choosing their energy supplier. The regulator, which monitors price developments on the energy market closely, wishes to make the energy market more transparent by means of quarterly overviews, so that consumers are better able to make a well-considered choice for an electricity or gas supplier. DTe advises consumers always to contact various energy suppliers to obtain their present tariffs, so that they can compare the tariffs.

DTe recently initiated research into whether consumers obtain full and correct information to enable them to make a choice. On the basis of these results, DTe will assess whether additional measures are necessary to increase transparency. The results of this research are expected to be published before the end of the year.