Housing and utilities
Jaarafrekening
Annual energy bill
What does Jaarafrekening mean?
A jaarafrekening is the annual statement from your energy supplier. It compares the monthly advances (voorschot) you paid with your actual gas and electricity use, and shows a refund or an extra payment. When you move or switch supplier you receive an eindafrekening (final statement) instead. Suppliers must send either within 6 weeks, and they reset your monthly advance at the same time.
Key facts
| Sent | Once a year, and as eindafrekening after a move or switch |
| Deadline for the supplier | Within 6 weeks |
| Meter readings after a move | Pass them on within 5 working days |
| Result | Refund or extra payment, plus a new monthly advance |
What to do
- Check the meter readings at the start and end of the period against your own readings or smart meter data.
- Check the tariffs match your contract, including the fixed delivery costs and network costs.
- Look at the new monthly advance. If it looks too low or too high, you can usually change it in the supplier's app.
- When moving or switching, pass your meter readings within 5 working days so the eindafrekening is correct.
- If the bill is wrong and the supplier does not fix it, file a complaint and then go to the Geschillencommissie Energie.
Worth knowing
A big refund is not a bonus: it means your advance was too high and you lent the supplier money all year. Set the advance close to your real use instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a jaarafrekening and an eindafrekening?
The jaarafrekening settles each contract year. The eindafrekening is the final statement when your contract ends because you move or switch supplier.
When should I receive my eindafrekening?
Within 6 weeks after the move or switch. The ACM has pointed out that many suppliers send it late; if yours does, you can complain.
Why do I have to pay extra?
Because your actual use was higher than your advances covered, or tariffs changed. Check the meter readings first; a wrong reading is the most common cause of a surprise bill.
Read next
Official sources
More Dutch terms: housing and utilities
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and contracts.