Energy; Average prices for consumers

What does the survey comprise?

Purpose

The monthly publication of the average consumer prices for electricity and gas provides insight into the movements of average prices paid by Dutch households. These prices are listed in euros and can be divided into fixed prices per year and prices that are related to the actual energy usage of households. Electricity prices that depend on actual usage are listed as kilowatts per hour. For gas prices, these are listed per cubic meter of gas.

Target population

Prices of natural gas apply to homes connected to the gas grid. Those which are connected to central district heating systems are not included. The figures are confined to dwellings with occupying residents.

For electricity and gas, the following figures are published:

• Transmission tariffs
• Supply tariffs (fixed and variable tariffs)
• Taxes

Statistical unit

Average prices of the different components of the energy bill.

Date/year survey started

The survey results have been published since June 2023. The data are available from January 2021 onwards.

Frequency

Monthly.

Publication strategy

The figures of the previous month are provisional. These will become definitive with the publication of the next month.

How is the survey conducted?

Survey type

The survey is based on data regarding energy contracts that are provided each month by energy suppliers.

Survey method

Monthly data regarding energy contracts from a large part of the energy suppliers in the Netherlands.

Respondents

Energy suppliers.

Sample size

Energy suppliers provide data on the contracts that are active in the reporting month. The used data contain both new and existing contracts. The energy suppliers that are part of the sample together cover most of the energy market in the Netherlands.

Checking and correction methods

Statistics Netherlands checks for completeness and plausibility of the source material. Where this is possible, irregular or incomplete data will be reviewed together with the suppliers.

Weighting

Prices of energy contracts are aggregated per energy supplier to an average price and weighted based on the number of contracts of that type in the year preceding the publication, adjusted for price levels at the end of the previous year. These weights are updated in January of each year.

Quality of the results

Accuracy

The accuracy of the average energy prices is preserved by the large number of contracts and prices that are included in the calculation. Additionally, several sources are combined for a total figure. Possible irregularities could arise due to the choices made to compile an average.

The average annual tariffs are calculated as the unweighted mathematical average for the relevant months. This means that the distribution of energy consumption between different months of the year is not taken into account. Particularly in the case of a variable supply tariff for gas, the consumption-weighted annual average may deviate from the figure presented here, because more gas is consumed during the winter months than in the summer months.

Sequential comparability

The data per energy type are comparable over time. Should the situation on the energy market in the Netherlands be subject to major changes in such a way that we are required to monitor different products, then this publication might be adapted or expanded.

Quality strategy

The data are checked to ensure internal consistency and completeness. Verification of data takes place where necessary.