Supplying gas or electricity to small consumers

Do you want to supply gas or electricity to low-volume users (small consumers)? You have to follow the rules that apply to the energy market. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) checks if you keep to these rules. 

Low-volume users are private and commercial customers who have: 

• an electricity connection of maximum 3 x 80A (ampere)
• a gas connection with a maximum capacity of 40 m3(n) an hour (a G25 connection) 

Energy licence for supply to small consumers 

You are only allowed to supply gas or electricity to low-volume users with an energy licence. You can apply for this licence to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM, in Dutch). Or you can supply your customers through a supplier with an energy licence as a reseller (in Dutch). 

There are a few situations in which you do not need an energy licence (in Dutch). 

Rules for supplying energy 

To get and keep an energy licence, you must follow the rules for supplying electricity and gas (in Dutch). For example, you must: 

• deliver energy in a reliable way (your organisation, finances, and technical facilities are in order) and keep to the rules on security of supply (in Dutch) 
• pass a Public Administration Probity Screening (Bibob check) 
• supply gas and electricity to anyone who requests it (duty to supply) and do so at reasonable rates (in Dutch)
• follow the rules for consumer sales and offer your customers at least a model contract with non-fixed rates and an open-ended contract duration (in Dutch) 

Before granting the energy licence, ACM will also check if your business is prepared for: 

• price fluctuations in the energy market 
• a sudden increase in demand for energy
• non-payment of customers 

If you can no longer guarantee reliable energy supply, the ACM can revoke your licence. 

Reporting changes 

Do you have an energy licence? You must report important changes to the ACM (in Dutch). You must report on the following: 

• changes in your rates (every year, 4 weeks before the change takes place to ACM. A minimum of 30 days before the change to your customers) 
• changes in your terms and conditions, or new terms and conditions 
• changes within the company (organisational, financial, or technical) 
• any change that impacts your ability to guarantee a reliable energy supply 

Cancellation fees 

Have you agreed on a fixed-term and fixed-rate contract with a business customer and do they want to cancel it before it ends? Then you may charge a termination penalty (in Dutch). The termination penalty is equal to the loss you incur by the early termination of the contract. 

Rules for resellers 

Do you want to sell energy, but do you not have an energy licence yourself? If you collaborate with someone who does have an energy licence, you are a reseller. You must follow the rules for resale of energy (in Dutch). These rules concern customer acquisition, contracts, billing, and handling of complaints. The holder of the energy licence remains responsible for the energy supply.