Energy supplier Eteck reduces rates in Amstelveen-Westwijk, ACM subsequently closes its investigation

Heat supplier Eteck has decided to charge all residents in the Westwijk district in the city of Amstelveen no more than the maximum rate for very low temperature heating (in Dutch: ZLT heat) starting January 1, 2023, and it will also implement this change vis-à-vis residents that are connected to ZLT heat networks in other districts. This means that, for many residents, their rates will be reduced considerably. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) launched an investigation after it had received complaints from residents in Westwijk, and will now close the investigation because, with said decision, Eteck has taken away the concerns about the maximum rates for heat being exceeded.

Using a so-called source-energy network, Eteck supplies ZLT heat to residents in Westwijk. This is heat that residents need to heat further themselves, using heat pumps, in order to be able to use it for space heating and hot water. Residents in Westwijk complained in early 2023 about the rates that Eteck charged in 2022 and 2023. According to the residents, the rates that Eteck charged exceeded the maximum rates that are set each year by ACM. ACM enforces compliance with the Dutch Heat Act, and thus launched an investigation following reports filed by residents. 

Eteck has decided to charge all residents no more than the maximum rate for ZLT heat, starting January 1, 2023. This maximum rate already applied to residents that became customers with Eteck after January 1, 2020. However, under transitional arrangements in the Dutch Heat Act, Eteck was allowed to charge residents that had already been customer prior to that date a higher maximum rate (which is the maximum rate for heat with high temperatures). As Eteck currently charges all residents the same rate, it is now clear to all residents what their rates are based on. For many residents, the adjustment also means a considerable reduction in their costs. ACM has thus closed the investigation into the rates. ACM will continue to keep a close watch on Eteck to see whether it complies with all the other requirements laid down in the Dutch Heat Act.