Dutch households are continuing to turn away from fixed‑rate energy contracts. On the other hand, dynamic options are gaining momentum. According to the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), fixed contracts dropped again in June. Meanwhile, dynamic contracts climbed sharply, rising by more than three percent, now totalling around thirty‑three thousand new sign‑ups.
This shift closely mirrors the turbulence on the wholesale market. Gas prices have been on a roller‑coaster ride due to the conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Prices dipped after a provisional peace deal between the US and Iran and the reopening of the strait, only to spike again shortly afterwards. Once fears of further escalation eased, prices fell, but they remain well above pre‑war levels.
Variable contracts are also gaining traction. In June alone, about 32,000 additional households opted for a variable-rate deal. These rates typically adjust every quarter, and ACM notes that variable gas prices saw a noticeable jump on July 1.
With fixed‑rate contracts still relatively expensive, many consumers appear to be holding off, choosing variable or dynamic options instead. Even so, fixed contracts remain the majority choice.
Currently, about 37 percent of households have a variable-rate contract, while around 8 per cent have gone fully dynamic. The share of the latter has been accelerating month after month.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
