Short answer: you only pay a cancellation fee if you end a fixed-term contract early and your contract says so. With variable and dynamic contracts there is no cancellation fee.
When do you pay?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer only if all three apply:
- You have a contract for a fixed term, for example 1 year.
- The term has not ended when you cancel.
- Both points are in your contract.
That also applies when you move, emigrate or move in with a partner.
When do you pay nothing?
- The term of your contract has ended.
- You have a variable or dynamic contract.
- Your supplier ends your contract (apart from some cases of payment arrears).
- Your contract does not state how the supplier calculates the fee.
How is it calculated?
The fee equals the supplier's loss: remaining consumption until the end of the contract × (your current tariff − new tariff at the same supplier). If energy has become more expensive, the supplier has no loss and you pay nothing.
Practical
- Ask your current supplier for the expected fee before you switch. They must give it immediately and no later than 2 working days; the calculation stays valid for 2 months.
- The fee appears on your final bill, which you receive within 6 weeks after switching.
Full Dutch version: opzegvergoeding energiecontract. Our comparison tool is in Dutch; the expat page shows which suppliers help in English.
Sources (checked 20-10-2026): ACM ConsuWijzer: opzegvergoeding · ACM: opzegvergoeding energiecontract · ACM: handreiking redelijke opzegvergoedingen (aug. 2026)