ACM wants to link household network tariffs to time of use
A proposal would make electricity use at quieter times cheaper, but the precise bill has not yet been settled.
The Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) is assessing a proposal to introduce volume- and time-dependent network tariffs for households from 2029. Those using electricity at quieter times would pay less; use during peaks could become more expensive.
The proposal was submitted by Netbeheer Nederland and concerns small-scale consumers: households and other connections of up to 3 times 80 amps. At present, the transport tariff for this group mainly depends on the capacity of the connection. For the network tariff, it makes no difference how much electricity someone uses or when.
Under the proposal, around two-thirds of the transport tariff would depend on the amount of electricity used and the time of use. The remaining part would remain linked to connection capacity. Transport costs are separate from the supply price of electricity.
The underlying reason is the growing pressure on the electricity grid. At certain times, for example when many households are cooking, charging or heating at the same time, available capacity is limited. At other times, capacity remains available. A price incentive should shift consumption to those quieter hours.
The ACM still has to assess the proposal. According to the regulator, this will be followed by a draft decision on which interested parties can comment. Introduction for small-scale consumers is expected in 2029 at the earliest. This is therefore not yet a definitive tariff structure, nor an immediate change to energy bills.
The Consumentenbond warns that bills must remain understandable. The organisation wants fixed names for busy and quiet periods, along with more explanation of how individual consumption affects network-management costs. It is also not yet clear which appliances or hours will fall into which tariff category.
Network operators expect more flexible use to postpone grid expansion and create room for new connections. This is an expectation about the system’s effect, not a guarantee for every neighbourhood or user. The eventual result will depend on the tariff model chosen, household behaviour and the development of demand.
For households with an electric car, heat pump or home battery, the scheme may be financially more relevant than for people with limited electricity use. Those unable to shift their consumption easily, for example because of working hours or care responsibilities, may have fewer opportunities to save. The ACM still has to take that distribution into account in its decision.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The ACM is assessing a proposal from Netbeheer Nederland for volume- and time-dependent network tariffs.
- Introduction for small-scale consumers is not expected before 2029.
- The precise tariffs and time blocks have not yet been established.
Left
Arguments A price incentive must not make sustainability dependent on whether a household can adapt its life to cheaper hours. People on low incomes, with irregular working hours or limited technical options could be hit relatively hard. Affordable energy and protection for vulnerable users must come first.
Values Affordability, solidarity and a fair energy transition.
Consequences More compensation and exemptions would make the system fairer, but also more expensive and complicated.
Centre
Arguments The proposal could help make better use of existing grid capacity, but only with simple communication, a gradual introduction and proper evaluation. The institutional process through the ACM and consultation provides room to assess the effects first.
Values Practicality, predictability and a balance between costs and capacity.
Consequences A phased introduction limits risks, but could delay the easing of grid congestion.
Right
Arguments Those placing a heavy burden on the grid at expensive peak times should contribute more than someone who uses little electricity or uses it at quieter times. A targeted price incentive can limit investment and unnecessary grid expansion, provided the rules are not overly prescriptive.
Values Users pay according to use, efficiency and responsibility.
Consequences More variable tariffs could change behaviour, but households unable to shift their use must retain the freedom to choose and should not be overprotected at others’ expense.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The text clearly distinguishes between the submitted proposal, the ACM’s assessment and expected effects. Claims about lower costs or reduced grid expansion are presented as possible effects.
- confirmed Netbeheer Nederland has submitted a proposal to the ACM for volume- and time-dependent tariffs. — This is stated in the ACM publication on the code amendment. source
- confirmed Around two-thirds of the proposed transport tariff would be volume- and time-dependent. — The ACM describes this division in the proposal. source
- confirmed Introduction for small-scale consumers is expected around 2029. — The ACM names 2029 as the expected introduction date. source
- confirmed The Consumentenbond is asking for understandable names and explanations on energy bills. — The consumer organisation makes these proposals in its response. source
- uncertain More flexible consumption could postpone grid expansion. — The ACM and Netbeheer Nederland present this as an expected effect; it is not a fixed outcome for every location. source
Editor's note
The tariff change is still a proposal. The precise time blocks, amounts and distribution between households have not yet been finalised.Sources
- Voorstel codewijziging volume- en tijdsafhankelijke transporttarieven voor kleinverbruikers — Autoriteit Consument & Markt
- Nieuwe regels mogen energierekening niet ingewikkelder maken — Consumentenbond
- Nieuwe nettarieven — Netbeheer Nederland
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „nettarieven acm”
- NOS — „nettarieven acm”
- Het Parool — „nettarieven acm”