adOct 8, 2026, 09:07

Small households could save 200 euros by using time-of-use electricity tariffs

The Dutch regulatory authority ACM will introduce variable electricity transport tariffs in 2029 to manage peak grid demand. Small households could save up to 200 euros per year by shifting usage to off-peak hours, while high-usage households may face increased costs.

Starting in 2029, the Netherlands will introduce variable electricity transport tariffs to reduce grid congestion. This shift aims to incentivize consumers to spread their power usage throughout the day, moving away from a fixed-rate system where all households pay the same for network maintenance regardless of their consumption habits. Under the new rules, transport costs will be divided into cheap, normal, and peak hours. Small households are expected to save up to 200 euros annually by adjusting their usage, while high-consumption households, such as those with heat pumps and electric vehicles, may see costs increase by up to 450 euros.

The regulatory body ACM expects this system to lower peak demand by 10 percent, creating enough capacity to connect 700,000 additional homes. Despite potential cost increases for heavy users, the ACM maintains that utilizing heat pumps remains more cost-effective than using traditional gas boilers. These variable rates apply exclusively to transport fees, while energy prices and taxes remain separate. An increase in general transport costs is also planned for 2027 to fund necessary grid expansions.

Economy Business Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Uniqlo owner closes in on H&M and eyes Zara's throne

Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, is aiming to surpass Inditex as the world's largest clothing retailer after reporting strong annual revenues. The company is actively expanding its European footprint, including growth within the Netherlands, by emphasizing functional and timeless fashion staples.

AI is changing the workplace but will not lead to mass unemployment

Recent research from the AWVN indicates that 95 percent of employers are now using AI, primarily to increase efficiency rather than to reduce their workforce. While experts anticipate that some job functions will disappear over the long term, they emphasize that this transition will not lead to mass unemployment as new roles and tasks are expected to emerge.

Just Eat Takeaway orders rise for first time in 4.5 years

Just Eat Takeaway has recorded its first rise in order volume in over four years following strategic investments by parent company Prosus. The firm reports growth in its user base and plans to continue investing in technology and marketing to build on these recent gains.

Using electricity at night can save money: ACM wants power rates to depend on the time of day

The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is proposing time-based electricity transport tariffs to reduce peak grid pressure. By encouraging consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours, the plan aims to create capacity for 700,000 extra homes while lowering energy costs for many households.

Dutch online stores take on scammers and fake webshops

The number of victims of fake webshops in the Netherlands has risen to 1.2 million, prompting industry group Thuiswinkel.org to launch a new monitoring system to detect and block fraudulent sites. While official reports show over 20,000 cases of webshop fraud in 2024, authorities believe the actual number of victims is much higher due to widespread underreporting.