Dutch government proposes lower energy fees for some tenants

The Dutch government has approved a proposal to lower the maximum energy performance fee paid by some tenants, aiming to soften the effect of ending net metering for electricity generated at home. The proposal has been sent to the Council of State for advice, and the revised rates are due to take effect on 1 January 2027. [1]

The fee, known as the EPV, may be charged by landlords for highly energy-efficient, gas-free homes that generate renewable electricity, usually with many solar panels. Tenants do not pay separately for those panels through rent or service charges. [1]

The government estimates that, without the changes, tenants paying the maximum fee could face an additional €42 to €75 a month compared with a situation in which their exported electricity could still be offset against their consumption and they paid no feed-in charges. The proposed revision would reduce that increase to about €8 to €13 a month, it says. [1]

The lower rates would also affect housing associations’ income and ability to invest. The government says its housing-construction action plan includes measures intended to improve their investment capacity by €28 billion. The housing minister plans to discuss the wider obligations of housing associations, including insulation and other sustainability work, with partners in early 2027. [1]