Frequently asked questions about consumption without a contract

If you consume energy without having a contract with an energy supplier, we, as the energy network operator, pay for it. We then pass on these costs to the person who consumed the energy without a contract.

Our first step is to investigate who is responsible for the consumption without a contract. This could be the new occupant or owner, but it could also be the previous occupant or owner. Depending on the outcome of our investigation, we will send the bill to the customer who consumed the energy. Our investigation shows that you are the responsible party.

We are not allowed to request this information from the landlord, municipality, or estate agent.

You currently have a contract with an energy supplier at this address, which is why we sent you a letter or email. If you can prove that you did not consume the energy, you do not have to pay.

If you have an electricity and/or gas connection in your home, you are legally required to have an energy contract with an energy supplier. This applies even if you do not (yet) consume electricity and/or gas.

Yes, if you have a lease, you are the responsible party. Contact your landlord if this is not the case.

You will then only receive an invoice from us for the network management charges and other costs.

If you consume electricity and/or gas without having a contract with an energy supplier, we, as the energy network operator, pay for it. We then charge these costs back to you.

We understand the inconvenience this causes. Due to the late start date, you consumed energy for a period that was not charged by the energy supplier. This is why you will receive a invoice from us for this period.

We get the meter readings from the metering company. This occurs when an energy contract is canceled or when a new contract starts.

You will then only receive an invoice from us for the network management charges and other costs.

If you have already paid your energy supplier for the consumption, lodge an objection and include your supporting document as proof.

We only issue a bill after you have signed up with an energy supplier. Only then will we have determined the meter readings and know the exact difference between the final meter reading of the previous occupant and the initial meter reading from when you signed up. We then take another month for analysis of consumption. If you are the person who took out a contract at the relevant address, we will contact you 4 months at the earliest after registration with the energy supplier. We hereby inform you in advance of the consumption without a contract and the bill we will send for this.

If you can prove that you did not consume the energy, you do not have to pay.

Energy consumption depends on the season. You pay your energy supplier in advance every month. This amount is often the same each month for an entire year, representing an average of the summer and winter periods. More energy is typically consumed in winter than in summer. The actual amount in winter may therefore be higher than your monthly payment to the energy supplier.

We receive meter readings when an energy contract is stopped and when a new energy contract starts. We bill for the actual consumption.

Yes, if you have a lease, you are the responsible party. Contact your landlord if this is not the case.

We do not have access to the municipal database, and therefore do not know exactly when you started living in the property. We receive meter readings when an energy contract ends and starts. We will charge for the period without an energy contract.

There is no fine in the bill for consumption without a contract. The bill consists of:

• Network charges associated with the connection value
• Investigation and processing costs
• Consumption and any redelivery from the period without a contract

Unable to pay the amount in one go? You can apply for a payment arrangement.

We understand the inconvenience this causes. Due to the late start date, you consumed energy for a period that was not charged by the energy supplier. This is why you will receive a invoice from us for this period.

Yes, you can set up a payment arrangement for a bill for consumption without a contract. However, there are conditions attached to this:

• You pay a minimum of €50,- per month
• The payment arrangement lasts no longer than 12 months

Did you receive a bill for consumption without a contract but are unable to pay it in one go? A payment arrangement is possible under certain conditions:

• You pay a minimum of €50 per month
• The payment arrangement lasts no longer than 12 months

Please contact us if you are unable to meet these conditions.