June 15, 2026, by Ad Vertorial

Going on a long trip or emigrating? This is what you need to arrange with your energy contract.

Handy
June 15, 2026, by Ad Vertorial

Going on a long trip or emigrating? This is what you need to arrange with your energy contract.

Anyone leaving for abroad for an extended period usually has enough on their mind. Visas, insurance, mail, subscriptions, banking, and the like. Your energy contract is probably not at the top of your list. Understandable. A contract for electricity and gas doesn't exactly feel like the most exciting part of a new life abroad. Yet, it is exactly the kind of boring item that keeps costing you money if you forget about it.

Compare before you cancel

Perhaps you will keep your home. Perhaps you will rent it out temporarily. Perhaps someone else will move in, because vacancy in the Netherlands is merely a luxury problem for which you mainly pay a lot. Via this independent energy comparison tool You can quickly see if a more affordable or flexible contract is available. Anyone holding onto their home probably doesn't want a contract with high fixed costs for a house where only the refrigerator is still alive.

When can you cancel?

The rules regarding cancellation depend on the type of contract. With a variable contract, you can usually leave with a notice period of thirty days. With a fixed contract, a cancellation fee may apply if you terminate early. After all, even if you move to the other side of the world, your energy supplier would still like to have an opinion on your timing. On the page about the rules for cancelling your energy contract you will find a clear overview of your rights and obligations.

Temporary departure or permanent emigration

When leaving temporarily, such as for a sabbatical, a long trip, or a period of work abroad, you often keep your home. In that case, you can let your energy contract continue. This is convenient, but you end up paying fixed costs for a home where you are not present. That feels a bit like paying admission to a party you aren't going to. An alternative is to switch to a contract with low fixed costs or a flexible contract that better suits your temporary situation. When emigrating permanently, it is simpler: you cancel the contract, provide the final meter readings, and wrap everything up properly.

Renting out your home while you are away

If you rent out your home temporarily, you have to decide what to do with the energy contract. You can keep the contract in your own name, but then you ultimately pay for the tenant's consumption. And yes, some people like to turn up the heating on a tropical island while you are trying to save money abroad. You can also have the tenant take out a contract themselves. That provides more clarity, but it does require some extra paperwork. Whichever option you choose, put the agreements in writing.

End dates and notice periods

Many people forget their notice period. Usually, it is thirty days, but always check your own contract. If you give notice too late, your contract continues for a while longer, even though you have long since left. That is a waste, because there are nicer things to spend abroad than standing charges for an empty home. Therefore, arrange the cancellation well in advance. Two to three months before departure is not excessive planning, but simply sensible.

Meter readings and final settlement

When cancelling or switching providers, you must submit your meter readings. Do this on the day you leave or on the day the contract ends. Also, take photos of the meter readings. Not because you are so fond of taking photos of meters, but because proof is useful if a dispute arises later. The final settlement usually follows later. Therefore, ensure that your email address is correct and that your bank account is still accessible.

Don't forget fixed costs

Even if you use little or no energy, fixed costs may still accrue. Think of standing charges, network management costs, and administrative fees. An empty home therefore does not automatically mean an energy bill of zero euros. That may seem illogical, but welcome to the world of energy tariffs. If you keep the home, pay particular attention to contracts with low fixed costs. That can make more of a difference than a few cents on the electricity price.

Return to the Netherlands

If you return to the Netherlands after a period abroad, you will need to take out a new energy contract. You can go back to your old supplier, but that is not automatically the smartest option. The energy market is constantly changing. Rates, terms, and offers can already be very different from when you left.

Depart without energy stress

 Anyone who compares, cancels, or switches on time avoids double costs and unnecessary hassle. Then you can leave with a clean slate. Or at least with one less administrative headache.

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