Set Up Gas & Electricity in Amsterdam — in English, in Minutes
Dutch energy contracts are usually sold in Dutch, compared in Dutch, and signed in Dutch. Use our free setup tool below to estimate your monthly costs and arrange your gas and electricity contract in English — before you arrive or the day you get your keys.
Three Steps, No Dutch Required
Enter your details
Your new address, move-in date, and household size. The tool estimates your expected gas and electricity usage for that property type.
See your costs
Get a clear estimate of your monthly energy costs and the contract options available for your address — all in English, with current June 2026 rates.
Sign up
Complete your contract in minutes. Energy is connected at your address from your move-in date — nothing to chase, nothing to translate.
Estimate Your Costs & Arrange Your Contract
Provided with our energy setup partner. Free to use, no obligation — you'll see your estimated costs before committing to anything.
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What You'll Need
- ✓ Your Dutch address — including postcode and house number (this determines which providers and tariffs are available)
- ✓ Your move-in date — contracts can be set up in advance so energy is live from day one
- ✓ IBAN bank account — Dutch providers bill by direct debit; a Dutch or EU IBAN works
- ✓ Household size — used to estimate your consumption and monthly advance payment
No BSN required to start — you can arrange your contract before your registration appointment. Need help registering? See our BSN registration guide.
📸 Photograph Your Meters
On the day you get your keys, find the meter cupboard (meterkast) and photograph your gas and electricity meter readings. Submit these to your new provider straight away — it ensures you're only ever billed for your own usage, not the previous tenant's.
This is the single most common (and most avoidable) billing dispute in Dutch rentals. More on how Dutch billing works — including the annual reconciliation — in our full Amsterdam utility costs guide.
Gas prices remain elevated following the March 2026 Middle East supply disruption, and households on variable contracts absorbed a 21% increase in April. A fixed 1-year contract locks in your rate regardless of market movements — and is currently the safer choice for most new arrivals. Current fixed contracts run €1.32–€1.52/m³ for gas and €0.23–€0.30/kWh for electricity. Full breakdown in our Amsterdam utility costs guide.
Utility Setup FAQ
When should I set up my energy contract?
Ideally 1–2 weeks before your move-in date, so the contract starts the day you get your keys. Setting up in advance is straightforward with the tool above — you just need your new address and start date. If you've already moved in, set it up as soon as possible: until you do, you may be on the previous arrangement's terms or risk a supply interruption notice.
Can I set up Dutch utilities before I arrive in the Netherlands?
Yes. You don't need to be in the country, and you don't need a BSN to arrange an energy contract — just your new Dutch address, a start date, and an IBAN for the direct debit. This is one of the few parts of a Dutch relocation you can fully complete from abroad.
Do I need this if I'm staying in a City Retreat apartment?
No — all City Retreat apartments are all-inclusive. Gas, electricity, water, and high-speed Wi-Fi are included in your monthly rate, with nothing to arrange on arrival. This page is for anyone moving into an unfurnished or independent rental where utilities are the tenant's responsibility. If you'd rather skip the whole process, browse our all-inclusive apartments.
What does using this tool cost?
Nothing. The estimator and setup service are free to use, and there's no obligation — you see your estimated monthly costs and the available contracts before deciding anything. You pay only your normal energy bills to your chosen provider once your contract starts.
What about water and internet?
Water in Amsterdam is supplied by Waternet — a regional monopoly, so there's nothing to compare; they'll bill the registered occupant automatically (check whether it's included in your rent). Internet is a separate contract with providers like KPN or Ziggo. Costs and provider comparisons for both are covered in our full utility costs guide.
Rather Skip Utilities Altogether?
Every City Retreat serviced apartment includes gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi in one fixed monthly rate — set up before you walk in the door. Flexible contracts, central Amsterdam locations, BSN registration supported.