The unusually cold January of 2026, with an average temperature of 2.5°C in De Bilt – significantly lower than the long-term average of 3.6°C – is prompting concerns about higher energy bills for Dutch households. The cold snap, the most severe since 2017, is driving up gas consumption as heating systems work harder to maintain indoor temperatures.
Energy companies have reported a surge in gas demand, with consumption levels up to 60% higher than during average winter temperatures. This increase isn’t necessarily due to households using more energy inefficiently, but rather a direct consequence of greater heat loss from homes and the extended operation of heating systems, according to industry sources.
The rising demand coincides with reduced energy production from renewable sources, specifically solar and wind power, due to shorter days and less favorable weather conditions. This combination of increased demand and decreased supply is placing pressure on the energy market.
The current low levels of gas storage in the Netherlands are exacerbating these concerns. Reports indicate that gas reserves have fallen to approximately 20 percent of capacity, raising the possibility of shortages and price volatility. This situation leaves the country heavily reliant on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports, particularly from the United States, increasing vulnerability to international market fluctuations.
While a cold winter doesn’t automatically translate to exorbitant energy bills, the risk of needing to make additional payments is heightened for those whose consumption exceeds last year’s levels, those with energy contracts based on milder winter forecasts, and those with dynamic contracts that don’t automatically adjust to consumption patterns. A typical household can expect to pay around 20 euros extra per week during a cold spell, though the ultimate impact on monthly bills remains difficult to predict due to the complexities of annual contracts and potential compensation from warmer periods later in the year.
Experts advise homeowners to take steps to conserve energy, but emphasize that the overall impact on individual bills will depend on a multitude of factors, including home size, insulation quality, and whether residents are working from home. The Telegraaf reports on available energy-saving tips, but the long-term effects of the current cold snap on national energy reserves and pricing remain uncertain.
