Supply tariff vs. grid tariff structure: a guide for businesses
Direct answer
The supply tariff (leveringstarief) is what you pay your energy supplier for the energy itself: a price per kilowatt-hour or cubic metre, plus fixed supply costs per day. The network tariff is what you pay, on the same bill, to the grid operator for transport and connection. You choose your supplier and the supply tariff is competitive; the network tariff is regulated by the Dutch authority ACM and is fixed.
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Supply tariff vs. grid tariff structure: scattered information versus Energy Intelligence
A Dutch energy bill mixes amounts from two different parties. One part goes to the supplier that sells you electricity and gas, another to the grid operator that transports it. For anyone procuring energy, that distinction is worth money. When you request a quote or compare providers, only the first part shifts. The second is fixed. Confuse the two and you think you can steer costs that are simply not negotiable.
- You pay the supply tariff to a supplier you choose yourself; suppliers compete on price, so you can compare and negotiate here.
- You pay the network tariff to the grid operator for your region, which you cannot choose; the ACM sets maximum tariffs for it each year.
- Both appear on one energy bill: your supplier collects the network tariff on behalf of the grid operator and pays it on to them.
Insight
Traditional approach
Information is scattered across portals, documents, invoices or separate spreadsheets.
Modern approach
Data, context and interpretation are brought together into a clear decision picture.
Decision-making
Traditional approach
Choices are made based on averages, assumptions or occasional analyses.
Modern approach
Scenarios, KPIs and current measurement data make the trade-off more concrete and repeatable.
Follow-up
Traditional approach
Actions often stay non-committal or disappear into separate reports.
Modern approach
Follow-up actions, monitoring and reporting are linked to the same energy data.
What is the supply tariff?
The supply tariff is the price you pay your energy supplier for the energy itself. It consists of a variable part, a rate per kilowatt-hour of electricity or per cubic metre of gas, and fixed supply costs charged per day regardless of your use. The supplier sets this tariff itself, based partly on the wholesale market price. You are free to choose your supplier and can switch. As a result, suppliers compete on price and conditions. With a fixed contract the tariff is locked for an agreed period; with a variable or dynamic contract it moves with the market.
- Consists of a price per kilowatt-hour or cubic metre, plus fixed supply costs per day.
- The supplier sets the tariff itself, based partly on the wholesale market.
- You are free to choose your supplier and can switch.
- Fixed contract: price is locked; variable or dynamic contract: price moves with the market.
What is the network tariff?
The network tariff is what you pay for transporting electricity and gas to your location and for your connection. It goes to the grid operator, the owner of the cables, pipes and meters. There is one grid operator per region and you cannot choose it; which one applies depends on your address. The network tariff, also called network or system management costs, consists of a capacity tariff, a fixed charge, a connection tariff and a metering tariff. Because you cannot switch, this market is regulated. The ACM supervises the grid operators and sets the maximum transport and connection tariffs each year, so that you do not overpay.
- You pay it for transport and connection, to the grid operator for your region.
- One grid operator per region, tied to your address; you cannot choose it.
- Consists of a capacity tariff, a fixed charge, a connection tariff and a metering tariff.
- Regulated: the ACM sets the maximum tariffs and supervises the grid operators.
Why does this distinction matter when procuring?
On one energy bill, the supply tariff and the network tariff sit together. You pay both to your supplier: the supplier collects the network tariff on behalf of the grid operator and pays it on to them. This makes the bill look like a single whole, while only part of it moves. Only the supply costs are within your control. Comparing, negotiating and switching affect the supply tariff alone. The network tariff is fixed, whichever supplier you use; it is the same for everyone on the same connection. So when reviewing a quote, look at the supply part if you want to compare offers. The network tariff is a given you cannot play providers off against.
- Both tariffs appear on one bill; you pay the network tariff via your supplier.
- Only the supply tariff is negotiable and differs between providers.
- The network tariff is the same for everyone on the same connection, regardless of supplier.
- Compare quotes on the supply part, not on the regulated network tariff.
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