Price cap

The price cap was an important measure this year to lower the energy bills for everyone. This measure ended on 1 January 2024. On this page, we'll tell you all about it.

Price cap

Ceiling the deal.
The price cap was an important measure this year to lower the energy bills for everyone. This measure ended on 1 January 2024. On this page, we'll tell you all about it.

What's a price cap for energy?

A price cap is the maximum price you pay for your electricity and gas. If the market price is higher than the price cap, the difference is payed for by the government. This way, they compensate you for your increased energy bill.

But not everyone has to be compensated. For example, are your rates lower than the price cap rates? You'll pay your own rates until your contract expires. Are your current rates higher? This means that the lower rates of the price cap apply to you. From 1 January 2024 onward, the rates in your contract apply again.

It's still important to save energy. That's because the government put limits on the energy consumption the price cap applies to. A consumption cap. In the video to the right, Marijn will explain what this entails exactly using some examples.

Personal advice, also by appointment

Frequently asked questions about the energy price cap

Questions Watt.
Questions Watt.

Until when does the price cap apply?

The price cap started on 1 January 2023 and stops on 31 December 2023. If your rates are under the price cap right now, nothing really changes for you. That's because starting next year, you pay the standard rates in your energy contract. If they are higher than the price cap, you'll pay more than right now.

Does the price cap also apply to me?

The price cap applies to every Dutch household. No matter where in the Netherlands you live, what type of house you have, and what your income is. The price cap also applies to both variable contracts and fixed contracts.

What are the rates that apply according to the price cap?

The government has set the rates based on the energy prices of January 2022. The maximum rate for electricity is set at € 0.40 per kilowatt-hour, and the maximum rate for gas at € 1.45 per cubic meter.

Do the maximum rates apply to my entire consumption?

Only when your energy consumption stays under 2900kWh of electricity and 1200m3 of gas. If you use more, the higher market prices apply to this extra bit of consumption. So, it's important to save as much energy as possible. Coolblue Energy is happy to help.

Calculation examples explanation

To give some insight into how the price cap works, we'll provide some calculation examples. The costs under the price cap were calculated up to a maximum consumption of 2900kWh for electricity and 1200m³ for gas.

The calculations and mentioned rates in the table are meant as an example. These aren't the current rates of energy suppliers. In the calculations, we assume the cost of consumption. Other costs, like the supply charge, delivery charge, and taxes, aren't part of the calculation.

In the table below, we'll show 3 calculation examples.

  1. Net-metering under the price cap. In this case, the extra energy generated by the solar panels is returned to the grid and subtracted from the consumption. The rates are then applied to your net consumption.
  2. Consumption under the price cap. You'll only pay the rates according to the price cap.
  3. Consumption over the price cap. you partly pay the rates of the price cap. For the overconsumption, you pay the rates of your energy supplier.

Calculation examples

Units Rates Total
1. FOR NET-METERING
Electricity consumption (in kWh) 3000
Feed-in electricity (in kWh) 500
Net electricity consumption (in kWh) 2500 € 0.40 € 1000
Gas consumption (in m3) 1000 € 1.45 € 1450
Total costs per year € 2450
Total costs per month € 204.17
2. CONSUMPTION UNDER THE PRICE CAP
Electricity consumption (in kWh) 2700 € 0.40 € 1080
Gas consumption (in m3) 1000 € 1.45 € 1450
Total costs per year € 2530
Total costs per month € 210.83
3. CONSUMPTION OVER THE PRICE CAP
Electricity consumption (in kWh) up to the price cap 2900 € 0.40 € 1160
Gas consumption (in m3) up to the price cap 1.200 € 1.45 € 1740
Electricity consumption (in kWh) over the price cap 200 € 0.80 € 160
Gas consumption (in m3) over the price cap 150 € 2.40 € 360
Total costs per year € 3420
Total costs per month € 285
Personal advice, also by appointment

Even more frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions Frequently given answers.
Frequently asked questions Frequently given answers.

The price cap ends on 31 December 2023. What else changes?

A lot changes on your energy bill in 2024.

I have a fixed contract. Does the price cap apply to me?

Yes, the price cap applies to everyone. Whether you profit from it, depends on the rates of your contract. When you have lower rates, you'll continue to pay these rates.

I have district heating or block heating. How does the price cap work for me?

For customers with district heating, there's also a maximum rate from 1 January 2023 onwards. For block heating, there's no information yet. We recommend you contact the supplier of your district heating and block heating for the latest information.

Can I lower my installment amount myself?

Yes, that's possible in the Coolblue app. You can find this in your profile under Coolblue Energy. Prevent surprises when you receive the annual statement by choosing an installment amount that suits your current rates.

I have a dual rate. Does the rate according to the price cap apply to both the regular rate and the off-peak rate?

For the price cap, 1 rate applies. That rate is the same in and outside the off-peak hours.

Coolblue Energy

At Coolblue Energy, you get more than just green energy. You also receive a discount on energy-efficient products. That way, we help you to save on your energy bill. That's saving energy with a smile.

  • 100% green Dutch electricity
  • CO2-compensated gas
  • Discount on energy-efficient products

Everything on saving energy

Coolblue Energy helps you save energy

To profit as much as you can from the lower price cap rates, it's important that you save on your energy consumption. Coolblue Energy is happy to help.