In short: here’s what the end of net metering means for you
- In practice, your electricity costs will increase by about €183.75 per year (or more).
- Selling back electricity is less profitable: you can no longer offset your consumption, and you won’t receive a tax or VAT refund.
- That’s why using your solar power yourself right away is becoming more important.
- Solar panels remain cost-effective, so don’t turn them off right away.
How Net Metering Works Until 2027
The net metering scheme is a very beneficial arrangement for solar panel owners, because cheaper electricity generated in the summer is directly offset against more expensive electricity consumed in the winter. You pay no tax on this and no price difference.
- The electricity you generate and consume is offset on a 1-to-1 basis.
- With full net metering, you pay no energy tax.
- You receive a net feed-in tariff for the 'surplus' electricity after net metering.
Why is the net metering program ending?
The net metering scheme was introduced in 2004 to encourage the use of solar panels. That goal has been achieved: solar panels are now cheaper and much more common.
The government has therefore decided to completely phase out the scheme as of January 1, 2027. The main reasons:
- The scheme costs the government approximately €600 million annually in lost tax and VAT revenue.
- Net metering does not encourage smart energy use, which puts an extra strain on the power grid.
- Subsidies are less necessary now that solar panels are cheaper and more efficient.
Initially, the plan was to phase out the scheme gradually between 2025 and 2030. In 2024, the government decided to end it in one fell swoop as of 2027.
What will change starting in 2027?
- Net metering will end: consumption and generation will no longer be offset against each other.
- Feed-in electricity is worth less: only a fraction of the full electricity rate.
- You’ll pay more in taxes: you’ll no longer receive a refund of the energy tax and 21% VAT on electricity fed back into the grid.
- Feed-in yields less: the feed-in tariff is at least 50% of the base electricity rate (until 2030).
- Feed-in costs remain, but will be lower: suppliers may charge them if they can demonstrate (imbalance) costs; ACM oversees this.
Check here to see how we factor in the end of net metering when comparing energy plans
What does this mean for your electricity bill?
Practical example: electricity fed back into the grid, which used to be worth 23 cents per kWh, will soon be worth less than 5 cents.
The graph below illustrates this difference: until 2026, feed-in will be compensated at the full electricity price. Starting in 2027, you will only receive a feed-in tariff of at least 50% of the base supply rate.
How will this affect your energy bill?
To illustrate the impact of the end of net metering on your energy bill, we’re using a calculation example from the Dutch Homeowners’ Association (Vereniging Eigen Huis). In this example, they use realistic figures for the situation starting in 2027.
This example is based on a family in the following situation:
- Annual consumption: 3,700 kWh
- Annual generation: 3,200 kWh
- Direct personal use: 1,100 kWh
- Feed-in: 2,100 kWh (3,200 - 1,100)
- Grid consumption: 2,600 kWh (3,700 – 1,100)
- Electricity price: €0.24 per kWh
Starting in 2027, this household will pay €183.75 more (€618.75 - €435) in electricity costs.
| Before 2027 | Starting in 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Grid electricity costs | €624 (2,600 x €0.24) | €624 (2,600 x €0.24) |
| Net metering | € -504 (2,100 x € 0.24) | N/A |
| Feed-in tariff | € -0 | € -115.50 (2,100 x 0.55 ct.) |
| Feed-in costs | € 315 (2,100 x € 0.15) | € 110.25 (2,100 x 0.525 ct.) |
| Total | € 435 | € 618.75 |
There are scenarios in which the difference could be higher. This is possible when the net reimbursement is negative, as is the case with Mega, Innova Energie, and Gewoon Energie.
Feed-in rates starting in 2027 without net metering
The table below shows how energy suppliers will handle the new feed-in tariffs starting in 2027, without net metering.
- The net feed-in tariff starting in 2027 will range from 0.23 to 1.19 cents per kWh.
- Mega, Innova, and Gewoon Energie offer a negative net feed-in tariff.
- Vandebron and Pure Energie have not yet announced their rates.
| Supplier | Net rate | Feed-in tariff | Feed-in costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Thuis | 1,74955 ct. | 6,281 ct. | 4,53145 ct. |
| Eneco | 1,5842 ct. | 6,763 ct. | 5,1788 ct. |
| Oxxio | 1,4422 ct. | 6,621 ct. | 5,1788 ct. |
| Energiek | 0,555 ct. | 6 ct. | 5,445 ct. |
| UnitedConsumers | 0,49997 ct. | 12,652 ct. | 12,15203 ct. |
| Innova Energie | 0,27052 ct. | 6,669 ct. | 6,39848 ct. |
| Greenchoice | 0,25099 ct. | 5,915 ct. | 5,66401 ct. |
| Delta | 0,25023 ct. | 5,498 ct. | 5,24777 ct. |
| Vandebron | 0,25006 ct. | 5,8722 ct. | 5,62214 ct. |
| Essent | 0,25002 ct. | 5,552 ct. | 5,30198 ct. |
| Energiedirect | 0,24996 ct. | 5,705 ct. | 5,45504 ct. |
| Vattenfall | 0,2419 ct. | 5,82 ct. | 5,5781 ct. |
| PowerPeers | 0,2347 ct. | 6,2 ct. | 5,9653 ct. |
| Mega | -0,79451 ct. | 13,763 ct. | 14,55751 ct. |
Last updated: 17 June 2026. The amounts you will receive and pay per kilowatt-hour of electricity starting in 2027.
4 Expert Tips
Why solar panels will still be worth it starting in 2027
As unfortunate as the elimination of the favorable net metering policy may be, know that solar panels will still be profitable starting in 2027. Don’t immediately think, “I’ll just turn them off” out of protest, because that will often cost you more.
Tip 1: Your solar panels still provide free electricity
Even without net metering, your solar panels still provide significant benefits. Every kWh you use directly saves you money because you don’t pay the full rate per kilowatt-hour to your supplier.
Tip 2: Use the electricity you generate yourself as much as possible
This is the most cost-effective and smart thing you can do. Plus, it doesn’t require any extra investment. The higher your consumption, the less you need to feed back into the grid and the less tax you pay. So, make sure to do your laundry and charge your car during the day when you generate the most power.
Tip 3: Choose an affordable energy contract with solar panels
With the end of net metering, carefully comparing options and switching suppliers becomes especially important if you have solar panels. Don’t just look at the net feed-in tariff; instead, switch to a 1-year contract with the lowest annual price in the energy comparison tool. This way, you’ll make your choice based on the lowest total costs. That’s what ultimately matters.
Starting in 2027, a dynamic energy contract may also become more attractive without net metering, because the disadvantage of hourly net metering—where you can’t offset cheap solar power against more expensive consumption later—will disappear.
Tip 4: Are you planning to install solar panels? Then consider an east-west orientation
If your roof allows it, an east-west orientation provides the best distribution of generation and feed-in throughout the day. You’ll have lower peak production in the afternoon and more generation at the beginning and end of the day. This means you’ll feed less power back into the grid when electricity is cheapest, and you’ll consume more power yourself during the more expensive times of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not a good idea to turn off your solar panels completely once net metering is no longer an option. That’s because your home uses (standby) power throughout the day. Think of your Wi-Fi modem, refrigerator, mechanical ventilation, and devices on standby.
If you can no longer run these devices entirely on your own solar power, you’ll end up paying the full price for it to your supplier, which is a waste. By leaving your solar panels on, you’ll still save money even without net metering, though it will be less than you’re used to.
Will net metering still be allowed in 2027?
No, starting in 2027, you will no longer be able to use net metering. Nearly every energy supplier has already implemented the new terms and conditions set by Energie Nederland, or is in the process of doing so. As a result, energy contracts with net metering are no longer available.
Is the end of net metering legally sound?
Yes, that seems increasingly likely now that many suppliers are updating their terms and conditions (to align with those of Energiebeheer Nederland) and no longer include a net metering option.
Last year, many energy suppliers’ terms and conditions were still drafted in such a way that electricity consumed and generated could still be offset against each other starting in 2027. Many suppliers are now putting an end to this by offering their customers new terms and conditions.
Good to know: if your supplier changes the terms during the term of your fixed-term contract, you may cancel your contract at no cost.
What happens to the feed-in costs?
The end of the net metering scheme will lead to a reduction in feed-in costs, but they will not disappear entirely. Starting in 2027, energy suppliers will only be allowed to charge feed-in costs for costs they actually incur. The ACM will oversee this.
Feed-in costs starting in 2027 will be based on the following:
- Higher electricity purchase price
- Grid imbalance costs
Higher purchase price: with solar panels, you consume less electricity during off-peak hours (summer and daytime) and more during peak hours (evening and winter). As a result, the average purchase price per customer is higher for the supplier.
Imbalance costs: solar power generation is difficult to predict because it is directly linked to the weather. If suppliers’ forecasts are inaccurate (for example, due to sudden cloud cover), the supplier must buy or sell extra electricity at the last minute. This is done through imbalance prices that are passed on to customers with solar panels.
Do you have other questions about the end of net metering?
We’re keeping track of developments and will update this page as soon as anything changes. Do you have other questions about the end of net metering, or would you like help comparing energy plans with solar panels? Let us know via the chat feature in the comparison tool or email us.
Sources:
- BNNvara: Net metering rights remain intact, according to experts
- VEH: Sample calculation of energy bill if the net metering scheme is abolished
- Central Government: Net metering scheme to end in 2027
- Milieucentraal: Net metering scheme for solar panels
- Energie Nederland: Terms and Conditions