Are you moving soon? Then you have a whole administrative puzzle waiting for you. Between arranging your GBA deregistration and finding a good moving company by, you might forget your energy contract. That would be a shame because moving is a good time to save a lot on your energy bill. When you move, you have to arrange a lot and choosing a new energy supplier is one of them.

FAST TO

We are happy to help you move to your new address

At Moving, we help people move every day. From our experience, we know that energy matters often cause confusion. That is why we have put together this complete guide. You will learn exactly what to do with your current energy contract and how to switch to another energy supplier in a smart way. Gas and electricity are very important.

Moving and switching

An energy contract is personal. This means that you must always take action when moving. Even if you want to stay with the same supplier, you must contact your supplier. Let's go through all the options. Fixed cancellation fees apply to fixed contracts concluded before 1 June 2023, depending on the remaining term of your contract.

Moving: what do I do with my energy contract?

The Basics: What Happens Automatically?

Here comes a surprise: nothing happens automatically with your energy contract when you move. Many people think that their contract automatically goes with them to their new home. That is an expensive misconception. Your energy contract is linked to two things: your name and the address where you live. Are you moving? Then you always have to act. Contact your supplier to report your move. This applies whether you stay with the same supplier or switch to another. Are you moving? Then pay close attention to this.

The processing time for a move takes at least 2 weeks according to ACM ConsuWijzer. So plan well in advance. If you wait too long, you may be without electricity or gas. Or worse: you will receive double bills because your old contract continues.

Key facts about energy contracts:

Each contract links to a person and a specific address
Suppliers do not have to deliver everywhere in the Netherlands
You cannot transfer your energy contract without officially reporting this
Notice periods also apply in the event of a move (usually 30 days)

Three main scenarios when moving

When moving, you have three options for your energy contract:

Scenario	What are you doing	Actions
Stay with current supplier	Transferring your energy contract	Moving notice + new address details
Switching to a new supplier	Conclude a new energy contract	Cancel old contract + new contract
Emergency Situation	Forgot to arrange or need energy at two addresses	Urgent procedure + higher costs

Timeline: when to arrange what?

Timing is everything when arranging your energy contract when moving. A move is the perfect time to sign a new energy contract. You can move your energy contract with the move, but you can also cancel the energy contract. Here you can see when you need to do what:

8 weeks before moving:

Check your current contract for moving rules
Find out which energy suppliers deliver to your new address
Start with compare energy rates

6 weeks before moving:

Make a final decision: stay or switch to another energy supplier
Please contact your supplier for your moving notice
Are you switching? Sign a new contract

2 weeks before moving:

Check that all confirmations have been received
Arrange the meter reading
Provide your new contact details

This planning prevents stress and ensures a smooth transition. Remember that some suppliers work slower than others. Take into account the duration of the processing of the move.

Taking a contract with you: when and how?

You stay with your current supplier

What are you going to do with your energy contract now that you are moving? Taking your energy contract with you to your new home sounds simple. It often is, but only if your supplier also supplies energy to your new address. Not all suppliers cover the whole of the Netherlands. Some regional companies only supply in certain provinces. Sometimes, simply cancelling gas is sufficient.

Benefits of moving your energy contract:

No cancellation fee that you may have to pay
You already know the supplier and their service
Contract terms remain the same
Less hassle with administration

Cons:

Rates may vary per zip code
You are missing out on opportunities for welcome promotions from new suppliers
Perhaps not the cheapest option for your new situation

For example: Suppose you live in Amsterdam with Eneco and move to Groningen. Eneco also supplies in Groningen so your contract can go with it. But Eneco may have different rates in the north. Check this in advance. Sometimes you have an energy contract for a fixed period.

Procedure for moving energy contract

Do you want to take your energy contract with you? Then follow these steps:

Contact your supplier at least 6 weeks before your move
Provide your new address and moving date
Request confirmation that delivery is possible to your new location
Enter your new details on the registration form
Check if rates remain the same

NB: some suppliers charge different prices per region. Your current energy contract may be more expensive at your new address. Ask in advance for the exact costs.

Automatic move vs. manual action

There is no such thing as automatic transfer of energy contracts. You must always take action yourself. You must also give a transfer notice to the same supplier. The processing time of a transfer takes at least 2 weeks. So do not wait until the last moment.

Checklist for moving energy contract:

[ ] Contacted current supplier
[ ] Confirmation received that delivery is possible
[ ] New contact details provided
[ ] Rates for new address checked
[ ] Final settlement old address settled

You choose a new contract for your new home

Switching energy supplier: complete guide

Moving is a good time to switch to another energy supplier. You benefit from welcome offers, better rates or improved service. Switching does require more paperwork than taking your energy contract with you.

Why is switching when moving smart? Firstly, you often get the best deals as a new customer. New energy suppliers offer attractive welcome bonuses. Secondly, you can tailor your contract to your new living situation. Are you moving from an apartment to a detached house? Then your energy consumption will change considerably.

Why switching can be beneficial when moving:

New energy supplier often cheaper than your current one
Welcome bonuses and discounts for new customers
Better contract terms possible
No termination fee for many contracts due to relocation

Compare energy suppliers for your new home

It compare energy suppliers goes much further than just viewing rates. Use an energy comparator for a complete overview but also pay attention to these points:

Comparison criteria:

Criterion	What to look out for
Rates	Electricity and gas together or separately
Contract type	Fixed contract vs. variable energy contract
Duration	Fixed-term contract vs. indefinite contract
Service	Customer service accessibility
Notice period	Usually 30 days but sometimes longer
Welcome Benefit	First year discount or cashback

NB: in a home with district heating or block heating: Then you only need electricity, no gas. This has a considerable effect on your energy contract and the rates.

A practical example: Marie moves from a gas-free new-build home to a 1970s house with a central heating boiler. Her energy consumption doubles. By making smart comparisons, she finds a supplier who is 200 euros cheaper per year than her previous one.

Step-by-step plan for switching when moving

Switching to a new energy supplier when moving requires good planning:

Step 1: Research and comparison

Have your energy supplier estimate how much electricity and gas you will use
Compare energy rates with a reliable energy comparator
Pay close attention to welcome offers and discounts

Step 2: Timing of cancellation

Cancel energy contract with current supplier
Please respect the 30-day notice period
Depending on the remaining term of your contract, you may pay a cancellation fee

Step 3: Conclude a new contract or transfer energy contract

Sign a new contract with your chosen supplier
Please provide correct information on the registration form
Ensure a seamless transition on your moving date

When do you pay termination compensation?

The termination fee you may have to pay depends on your contract type and the remaining term. A fixed-term contract often has a termination fee for early termination. A permanent contract usually only has a 30-day notice period.

Situations with termination compensation:

Permanent contract with remaining term longer than 3 months
Fixed-term contract that does not end on its natural end date
Special discount contracts with refund clause

Exceptions for moving:

Many suppliers make an exception for relocation
It is sometimes possible to temporarily cancel a contract
Negotiating severance pay when moving

Avoid or minimize cancellation costs

Smart strategies to avoid cancellation fees:

Check your contract for relocation clauses
Please contact your supplier about possible exceptions
Consider a temporary contract at 2 addresses if this is cheaper
Plan your move around the end date of your contract

Tip from our experts: some suppliers allow you to temporarily cancel your contract for moving and restart later. This completely avoids cancellation fees.

A real-life example: Jan has a 3-year fixed contract with 8 months to go. The termination fee would be 150 euros. He calls his supplier and explains his situation. They make an exception for his move and he doesn't have to pay anything.

Other costs for moving to an energy supplier

In addition to possible termination compensation, you will encounter other costs:

Overview of energy contract relocation costs:

Cost item	Amount	When due
cancellation fee	€50-200	With a permanent contract
Administrative costs	€15-25	By moving notice
Deposit new contract	€100-300	With new supplier
Final settlement	Variable	Difference consumption vs. advance payment

What if you forget to arrange your energy contract?

If you forget to sign an energy contract before you move, you will find yourself in an emergency situation. The network manager will then arrange for delivery via a so-called “supplier of last addition”. This costs considerably more than a regular contract.

Imagine: you are so busy packing and arranging that you forget your energy contract. On your first day in your new home, you turn on the tap and hot water comes out. Great! But a month later, you get a bill that is 30% higher than normal. That is the price of forgetfulness.

Risks of not arranging in time:

Higher rates (often 20-30% more)
Limited choices
Administrative costs for urgent delivery
Possible interruption of supply

Emergency procedure for concluding an energy contract

In an emergency, you can quickly conclude an energy contract:

Emergency procedure steps:

Register online with available supplier
Choose a variable energy contract (fastest activation)
Please contact us by phone for emergencies
Provide all necessary information immediately

Online registration is usually the fastest. Within 1-3 business days you will have an active contract.

Temporary contract at 2 addresses

Needing energy at two addresses occurs with gradual moves. Maybe you renovate your new home first. Or your parents need help with their move. You can have temporary contracts at both addresses but this costs a lot of money.

Solutions for dual energy supply:

Temporarily cancel contract at old address
Minimum contract for transition period
Contact supplier for temporary solutions

Moving and meter readings: practical handling

Record meter reading when moving

Meter readings determine your final bill. The last meter readings of your old home and the first of your new home determine exactly what you pay for energy.

This is where it often goes wrong. You are busy lugging boxes and forget to write down the meter readings. Later it turns out that the previous occupant last reported the reading 2 months ago. Now you have to prove what your consumption was. Stress guaranteed.

When to record meter readings:

On the day of key transfer
Preferably together with the previous resident or real estate agent
Take pictures so you have proof of the positions

Correct meter reading

First of all: take pictures so you have proof! The energy companies always need your latest meter readings. Are you having trouble? Then contact your energy supplier for the necessary help. For example, if your parents are moving, you may be able to help them with this. Different procedures apply for electricity and gas:

Electricity meter reading:

With a smart meter: Automatic reading possible
Normal meter: Read both positions (peak and valley)
Do the meter readings match your previous statement?

Gas meter reading:

Read the m³ reading
Check if the gas connection is working
For district heating: No gas meter present

Problems with meter reading

You cancel the entire contract and you enter into a new energy contract? Common problems and solutions:

Meter not accessible:

Schedule an appointment with the previous resident
Contact network administrator
Use estimated meter readings as a temporary solution

Estimated vs. actual meter readings:

Estimated readings lead to incorrect invoices
Make your online correction as soon as you know the actual position
Keep photos of meter readings as proof

Special moving situations and energy contracts

Moving to a new-build home

In a new-build home, comparing energy is very important. You are going to live in a new neighbourhood and you naturally want to choose the most advantageous contract. A new-build home has special points of interest for your energy contract:

New construction checklist:

Is the gas connection already active?
Which suppliers are supplying the new construction project?
When is energy available (sometimes only after delivery)?

Many new construction projects have agreements with specific suppliers. Ask the project developer what options are available. Sometimes you get a discount if you choose their preferred partner.

Moving to temporary housing

Always pay attention to the meter readings in your old home. For temporary residence, flexible contracts are important:

Options for temporary housing:

Permanent contract with 30 days' notice period
Variable energy contract (more flexible than fixed contract)
1 contract for electricity and gas or separately

Moving with solar panels

Solar panels make your energy contract more complex:

Points of attention:

Return delivery contract must be transferred to new supplier
Not all suppliers offer netting
Check return rates

Final settlement old address

The final settlement of your old home comes after the last meter readings. This can result in a residual debt or credit.

Factors affecting the final settlement:

Difference between used and paid advance
Seasonal consumption (winter vs. summer)
Rate changes during the year

Costs of new energy contract

With a new energy contract you will encounter various costs:

Start-up costs new supplier:

Administration costs: €15-30
Deposit: 1-2 months advance payment
First invoice: Based on estimated usage

Budgeting for energy costs after moving

Your energy costs can vary considerably between homes:

Factors that influence costs:

Energy label of the home
Surface and insulation
Type of heating (central heating district heating heat pump)
Electricity alone vs. electricity and gas together

Consumer rights when moving energy supplier

As a consumer, you have specific rights when concluding a new energy contract:

Main rights:

14 days' reflection period for new contracts
Right to clear information about rates and conditions
Protection against misleading practices
Right to complain to ACM ConsuWijzer

Critically review contract terms

When signing a new contract, pay particular attention to:

Important clauses:

Notice period (standard 30 days)
Price guarantee and adjustment moments
Automatic extension for fixed-term contracts
Relocation clauses and exceptions

Comparing energy suppliers: best practices

A good energy comparator shows more than just rates:

What to look for when comparing:

Total annual costs including fixed charges
Contract terms and duration
Welcome promotions and discounts
Reviews from other customers

Reliable comparison sites:

Gaslicht.com
Pricewise.nl
Energievergelijker.nl

Digital tools from energy suppliers

Modern suppliers offer convenient online tools:

Useful features:

Do you submit your meter reading online?
Contract management via app
Direct debit arrangement
Energy advice based on consumption

Top 10 mistakes when moving energy supplier

Avoid these common mistakes:

Starting to arrange too late (start 8 weeks in advance)
Forgot to cancel the energy contract when switching
Not checking whether new supplier delivers to new address
Incorrect meter readings
Not reading contract terms (especially notice period)
Not having a backup plan in case of problems
Focus only on price, forget about service
Misunderstanding welcome promotions
Do not keep old administration
Do not take photos of meter readings

Warnings and red flags

Be careful with:

Suppliers who claim to be “automatically cheaper”
Contracts without clear rates
Aggressive telephone sales
Energy suppliers without a valid permit

Frequently asked questions about moving energy supplier

Can I always take my current supplier with me to my new home?

Not all suppliers deliver throughout the Netherlands. Contact your supplier to check if they deliver energy to your new address. Regional suppliers often have limited coverage.

What happens if I forget to arrange my energy contract?

You automatically get energy from the "supplier of last addition" but this costs considerably more. You often pay 20-30% more than regular rates. Sign a new contract as soon as possible to limit costs.

Do I have to pay a cancellation fee when I move?

The termination fee you may have to pay depends on your contract type. A fixed-term contract may have a termination fee but many suppliers make an exception for relocation. Check your contract terms or contact your supplier.

How long does it take to switch to a new supplier?

The processing time is at least 2 weeks according to ACM. Online registration can be faster but always plan at least 3-4 weeks before your move to avoid problems.

Can I temporarily have energy at two addresses?

Yes, you can have temporary contracts at both addresses. This costs more but is sometimes necessary for gradual relocation. Some suppliers offer temporary solutions or temporarily cancel the contract for the transition period.

Checklist: moving energy supplier

8-10 weeks before moving

[ ] Check current energy contract for relocation regulations and notice period
[ ] Research into available suppliers at new address
[ ] First comparison of rates with energy comparator
[ ] Check whether it is possible to transfer your energy contract

6 weeks before moving

[ ] Final choice: stay or switch to another energy supplier
[ ] When switching: conclude a new contract with your chosen supplier
[ ] Moving message sent to current supplier
[ ] In case of cancellation: cancellation period checked and cancellation fee selected

4 weeks before moving

[ ] Confirmations received from all suppliers
[ ] Final settlement process started for old home
[ ] Advance payment and security deposit arranged for new contract
[ ] New contact details passed on to suppliers

1 week before moving

[ ] Meter readings old address noted and passed on
[ ] New supplier informed about exact moving date
[ ] Contact details updated for all suppliers
[ ] Administration in order (contract confirmations)

Moving day

[ ] Final meter reading of old address recorded and photos taken
[ ] Initial meter reading at new address recorded and photos taken
[ ] Meter readings passed on to relevant suppliers
[ ] Keys transferred including energy information
[ ] Checked whether gas connection and electricity are working

After the move

[ ] First invoices checked for accuracy
[ ] Any corrections to meter readings passed on
[ ] Administration put in order and maintained
[ ] Evaluation of choices made and satisfaction
[ ] ACM ConsuWijzer consulted in case of problems

Successfully arrange your energy contract when moving

Moving is a good time to critically review your energy contract and possibly switch to another energy supplier. Starting early is crucial – start preparing at least 8 weeks before your move.

The main lessons:

An energy contract is personal – you must always take action when moving
Please contact your supplier at least 6 weeks in advance
Compare energy suppliers thoroughly, not just on rates
Take photos of meter readings as proof
The processing time is at least 2 weeks – please plan accordingly

Transfer energy contract or cancel current contract

Whether you choose to take your energy contract with you or switch to a new energy supplier, good preparation prevents problems and can save you money. Use a reliable energy comparator, read the contract terms carefully and keep all documentation.

We at Moving are happy to help you with your move. Do you have questions about your energy contract? Contact ACM ConsuWijzer for free and independent advice about your rights and options when moving your energy contract.

Last updated: May 29, 2025 – Always check the most up-to-date information with your supplier and ACM ConsuWijzer before making final decisions.