The double tariff is disappearing: What does this mean for you?
As of 1 July this year, 2021, the double tariff has disappeared. This may have consequences for the costs you pay for your energy bill. It is therefore important to know what the double tariff is, what is going to change, and what you will notice of it.
The double tariff is a tariff for energy consumption that works with off-peak hours and ‘normal’ hours. There is also a single tariff. Which tariff applies to you is stated in your energy contract. With a single tariff you pay the same tariff throughout the day for consuming your energy. With a double tariff you pay less for energy during the off-peak hours.
The off-peak tariff is therefore somewhat lower than the ‘normal’ tariff, and you only pay it in the off-peak period This period is at night, at weekends, and on public holidays. You pay the normal tariff on working days between seven o’clock in the morning and nine or eleven o’clock in the evening. When the off-peak tariff starts in the evening depends on the region in which you live. This is determined by the grid operator, so it is a good idea to check which off-peak period you fall under.
01What has changed with the double tariff?
Previously, you could pay a single tariff if you had a meter with one register, or a meter with two registers. A double tariff could only be used if you had a meter with two registers. The type of meter you have therefore determines which tariff you can and cannot use.
As of 1 July 2021 you can only use a double tariff if you have a smart or digital meter. Even with a meter with two registers, you can then no longer make use of the double tariff. The reason for this is that switching the off-peak tariff on and off with non-smart meters is quite expensive for the grid operator. That is why it was decided to abolish the double tariff completely for non-smart meters, and to only offer it with smart meters.
A smart meter is a digital meter. This digital meter automatically passes on the meter readings to the grid operator, so you do not have to do this yourself. The meter readings show how much energy you consume. This passing on to the grid operator happens once a year, and is therefore done by you yourself if you do not have a digital meter. On the basis of these meter readings, the advance payment for energy consumption is settled against the actual consumption.
The smart meter has a built-in clock, which automatically measures the energy consumption of your household. This clock also keeps track of the days and times. In this way, with a double tariff, it automatically switches to the other tariff when necessary. The grid operator then no longer has to keep track of this, and that costs a great deal of money. With a smart meter, costs are saved on this process.
02What will you notice of the disappearance of the double tariff?
There are various situations in which you may notice something of this change. It may be, for example, that you currently use a double tariff, but have a meter with two registers that is not digital. It may also be that you have a meter with one or two registers and a single tariff, but would like to switch to a double tariff. In addition, it may be that you already have a smart meter.
No smart meter but a double tariff
It may be that you currently use a double tariff, but do not yet have an electric meter. With the changes that came into effect from 1 July 2021, that means you can no longer make use of this double tariff. In that case you will receive a message or letter from the energy supplier you are connected with. It will then offer you a single tariff with the current meter. You will also be told what this single tariff means for you.
No smart meter and no double tariff
It may be that you currently do not have a smart meter, and also do not use a double tariff. In that case not much actually changes for you at the moment. You could, however, consider switching to a double tariff by acquiring a smart meter. Perhaps this will also save costs for you. For this it is best to contact the energy supplier you are connected with. They can tell you more about the various options and tariffs that are possible in your specific situation.
If you are considering acquiring a smart meter, it is good to know that this digital meter automatically measures your energy consumption. However, this does not mean that the supplier can see at any moment how much energy you use on something. The energy supplier must comply with strict privacy regulations. The grid operator may only view your meter readings in the following situations: for the annual bill; once a month for an overview of consumption and costs in that month; when you move house or switch energy supplier; and when it is necessary for the maintenance or management of the energy grid. In the last case the energy supplier must let you know that it is going to look at the meter readings. In all other cases the grid operator may only view your meter readings if you have given permission for this.
Are you considering switching to a double tariff? This can save costs on the energy bill. Always discuss this with your energy supplier. There is a good chance that you will be better off if you use more than 3500 kWh of electricity per year, and if you use at least 50% of this during the off-peak hours that apply in your region.
A smart meter and a double tariff
If you already have a smart meter at home and already use a double tariff, in most cases not much changes either. If there are changes after all, you will hear about them from your energy supplier. It will inform you of any changes in the tariffs that apply to you.
The double tariff is disappearing: what does this mean for you?
What is the double tariff and why is it disappearing?
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.