Frequently asked questions

Welcome to the FAQ page about the collective action against Dutch energy suppliers on behalf of consumers and small businesses. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the action, the demands, and what this may mean for you.

About My Situation

Am I eligible to register?

Yes, registration is open and active for any qualifying individuals, families and small business owners.

Where can I register?

Registration may be completed at mijnenergieclaim.nl.

Until when can I register?

The deadline for registering has not yet been established, but those harmed are encouraged to register their claim as soon as possible. Doing so will allow further information to be gathered by the Foundation, strengthening our resources and enabling us to conduct a thorough investigation of this mass claim.

Can I register with multiple energy supplier contracts?

Yes, consumers may have had contracts with more than one Dutch energy supplier since the allegedly unlawful variable rate contract price increases began. Use the form at mijnenergieclaim.nl to select any company or companies that supplied your electricity and/or gas.

Will I receive confirmation of my registration?

Yes, all registrants will receive a confirmation email sent to the email address included in their claim. If you’ve opted into continued communication, you will continue to receive updates about your claim and its progress.

How much will I get back?

Although this information is not yet known, the Consumer Justice Foundation will do everything in its power to recover funds for consumers who have been harmed. First, more information must be gathered from those affected. Once that stage has been cleared, our experts will analyze this data and compile damage estimates. Finally, a determination will be made regarding the best and most appropriate manner to reclaim the unjustly paid energy costs.

When will I be paid?

The Consumer Justice Foundation has filed a writ of summons. If the court issues a decision in favour of Dutch consumers, those affected and entitled to compensation will receive payment. While the timeline is currently evolving, our team will keep participants informed throughout the process once they sign up, alerting them as more specific information becomes available.

I currently have a variable contract, what can I do?

By registering your claim with the Consumer Justice Foundation, we not only seek compensation for potential overpayments in the past but also address current and future instalments that may be excessive, as well as amounts yet to be determined under the unfair price change clause.

I have a dynamic contract, can I still register?

No, dynamic contracts are different from variable contracts. Only those currently or previously under a variable contract are eligible to file a claim.

How do I determine the extent of my damage?

Any variable rate account holders in the Netherlands have experienced unfair price hikes on their gas and electric bills, according to ongoing analysis. The court has already ruled this clause unfair, and now consumers have the take action. On average, damage estimates per Dutch household consumer are around €1,000 and can exceed €5,000.

Damages may depend on the following circumstances: whether you had a single or double electric meter, the 2023 price ceiling, how often rates changed during your contract, the rates you paid for gas and electricity when you started your contract, and the changes you made during your service.

Do I have to provide my energy bills?

No, not in this stage. For now, you only have to sign up and establish your initial support. At a stage later in the investigation, you may be asked to provide more information about your suppliers and/or bills and invoices. Little is required of participants in the claim.

I only have my annual statements – are those sufficient?

At a later stage in the investigation, we will ask that claimants supply the most detailed billing information possible. If annual statements are the most comprehensive statements you have, we will ask that you upload them for review.

From what years would you like to receive billing information?

The claim concerns the years of 2017 to the present, and we will ask that claimants submit billing information for any and all years during which they had a variable rate contract with an energy supplier.

I've already registered for another claim. Can I still register with you?

You may register with the Consumer Justice Foundation provided you have not already signed a participation agreement (contract of assignment) with another organization regarding a claim against one or more energy suppliers. Suppose you have entered into such an agreement elsewhere. In that case, you may be unable to terminate it free of charge and/or may only be able to register with us after a certain waiting period following termination. We therefore advise you to check this carefully.

Why do you need to collect information from me?

While initial data collected is limited to the minimal, the Foundation may need to request additional details in the future, such as information about your energy supplier, bills, payments, and other relevant data. All of this data will be reviewed and analyzed by our team of experts to support the claim and ensure compliance with applicable laws, in order to maximize recovery for those affected. You can read more about how your data is used and our privacy practices in the Foundation’s Privacy Policy.

Will my data be stored securely?

I have a question about my situation. How can I contact the Foundation?

Yes, our team is here to answer questions and to help you figure out more about your eligibility to file a claim. Email the Foundation at info@mijnenergieclaim.nl.

Can I also register if I have a variable contract with an energy supplier other than Vattenfall?

Yes, experts have stated that nearly all Dutch energy suppliers have used the allegedly unfair General Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Gas and Electricity to Small Consumers that has been deemed unlawful. These companies include Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron.

I am the heir of someone who had a variable energy contract in the affected period. What should I do?

Yes, heirs to those who had a variable energy contract are eligible to register, and will only need to cite this information in their initial form – a simple and quick process.

Register my claim

What happens if I want to claim compensation?

To do this, you first need to register on our website by completing a simple form and answering a few basic questions. That's all you need to do for now. We'll send you additional information and instructions as soon as they become available.

Where can I register?

Dutch households and small businesses can register at energiemassclaim.nl.

Is there a deadline for registration?

No. The deadline for registration hasn't been set yet, but we encourage everyone with a variable energy contract to register as soon as possible. Doing so will help the foundation demonstrate its representativeness and gather more information.

I don't have an email address. Can I still register?

While signing up through the form is the easiest way to submit your claim and communicate with the foundation, our team recognizes that not everyone is able to do so, and we strive to provide access to everyone affected by this situation. Please send your papers by post to Stichting Consumer Justice, De Entree 201, 1101 HG Amsterdam.

Small Business Claims

Can I file a claim under my company name?

Yes, small business owners can also file claims for variable rate contracts due to the same lack of transparency and honesty from Dutch energy companies. Based on the law and the so-called reflex action of consumer law, we believe they deserve the same legal protection as consumers. We believe that business owners throughout the Netherlands have also faced this. Like consumers, they faced dramatically rising energy costs that were among the highest in Europe. This left entrepreneurs with little room for flexibility and caused significant concerns about costs and profit margins. Dutch energy companies directly harmed small businesses at a time when there were already many uncertainties, such as global supply problems and economic instability. We strive to help small business owners like you recover the damages caused by these unfair increases.

Where can I register my small business?

Owners or representatives of Dutch small businesses can register at mijnenergieclaim.nl.

Is there a deadline for registration?

No. The application deadline hasn't been set yet, but we encourage small businesses that have suffered losses to apply as soon as possible. Doing so will help the foundation secure more support and gather more information. This will allow us to better demonstrate our representativeness and better investigate the extent of the damage for Dutch business owners.

What happens if I want to claim compensation?

Small business owners must provide a minimum amount of information. You must first register on our website by completing a simple form and answering a few simple questions. That's all you need to do now. We will send you additional information and instructions as they become available.

Can I apply if my company has a variable contract with an energy supplier other than Vattenfall?

Yes, almost all Dutch energy suppliers use the same unfair price change clause in their General Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Electricity and Gas to Small Consumers. These companies include Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron.

Can I submit a claim for my small business to multiple consumer foundations?

Formally, no. If you have already registered your business with another foundation, you can register with the Consumer Justice Foundation if you have not yet signed a participation agreement (agreement of assignment) with another organization for a claim against one or more energy suppliers. What if you have entered into such a contract for your business elsewhere? In that case, you may not be able to cancel it free of charge and/or you may only be able to register with us after a certain waiting period following termination. We therefore recommend that you check this carefully.

I no longer have a chamber of commerce number for my small business – can I still join?

Potential Compensation

What will the Consumer Justice Foundation's class action do?

The Consumer Justice Foundation wants to ensure that all small business owners who have suffered losses due to unfair variable rate changes by Dutch energy companies are compensated. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for those affected and to build the most thorough and compelling case for our clients.

About the Energie Mass Claim

What is this claim about?

In short: price increases in variable energy contracts from Dutch energy suppliers have been found by the District Court and the Court of Appeal in Amsterdam to be unlawful, insufficiently transparent, and therefore in violation of European and Dutch consumer law.

Since April 1, 2017, Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron have applied a modification clause to their (general terms and conditions of) variable energy contracts with consumers and small businesses, allowing them to unilaterally change supply rates. They continue to use this clause. However, the reasons for and scope of these unilateral rate changes are not specified. It is also unclear when the energy suppliers will implement these unilateral rate changes.

This clause therefore allows Dutch energy companies to unilaterally change rates, particularly upwards, whenever and for whatever reason they wish. As a result, Dutch consumers and small businesses bear the brunt of the negative market developments and business risks that energy companies can face, at least to a greater extent than is justified. In recent years, consumers and small businesses have often faced unexpected and significant increases in their energy costs. De Telegraaf even reported that Dutch households pay seven times more for gas than Hungarians, and that only Swedes pay more. The Dutch face the second-highest energy prices in the EU.

What is the scale of the problem?

Energy prices in the Netherlands have risen sharply, particularly since 2021. The damage per consumer is estimated at an average of €1,000, but could exceed €5,000. The claim concerns small consumers, such as consumers and small businesses, with a variable energy contract, or who have had one since April 1, 2017, when the clause was first introduced. Millions of Dutch households and small businesses have been affected in recent years. The scale of the unfair practices by energy companies is palpable throughout the country and affects more than half of Dutch households. Many households are experiencing financial difficulties due to rising energy costs.

Which energy suppliers are involved in the claim?

Almost all Dutch energy companies use the 2017 General Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Electricity and Gas to Small Customers of the trade association Energie-Nederland, which are considered unfair. The energy suppliers involved in this action are: Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron. Are all energy suppliers involved in the claim? Experts believe that almost all Dutch energy companies use the general terms and conditions of the trade association Energie-Nederland, which are considered unfair. Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron, as well as several smaller suppliers, are involved. Approximately 90% of Dutch energy suppliers are members of the trade association Energie-Nederland.

Are all energy suppliers implicated in the claim?

Experts believe that nearly all Dutch energy companies use the unlawful General Terms and Conditions of Energie-Nederland, a trade association that has been deemed unfair. Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron and several others are implicated. Approximately 90% of Dutch energy suppliers are affiliated with the trade association.

Who is affected by the unlawful variable contract?

Affected are everyone who currently has a variable energy contract or who has had a variable contract since the clause was introduced in April 2017, including households (consumers) and small businesses.

Why did Consumer Justice file this claim?

The energy suppliers knew that this amendment clause in the variable energy contracts violated applicable laws and regulations, particularly (European) consumer law. Furthermore, all the aforementioned energy suppliers have unilaterally increased their rates since April 1, 2017, based on this amendment clause, without explaining or announcing the increase in a timely manner. This means that the price increases were paid without due cause. We also believe that the energy suppliers in question acted unlawfully with this unfair commercial practice and are liable for the harm they caused to all consumers, small business users, and mixed small users with variable contracts with these energy suppliers. Therefore, we have initiated collective proceedings to obtain justice.

Who is eligible for compensation? The claim applies to everyone who has, or has had, a variable energy contract with Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron since April 1, 2017. Consumers and small businesses with variable energy contracts in 2021/2022 were hit hardest, as energy suppliers increased prices most sharply during that period and subsequently kept them high for an extended period.

Can I trust this initiative?

Yes. In short, the Consumer Justice Foundation's claim is stronger, more comprehensive, and better substantiated than that of other initiatives. It is both broader in scope, including both consumers and small businesses, and more comprehensive, adding investigation into alleged organized scheming between the energy companies. No other initiative can say this.

Our Foundation is backed by expert litigators and funding to bring what we believe is the best and strongest claim for the most people possible. All members of the board are professionals with proven track records.

Who is eligible for compensation?

The claim applies to everyone who has, or has had, a variable energy contract with Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, Energiedirect, Budget Thuis, Greenchoice, Greenchoice Zakelijk, ENGIE, Oxxio, and Vandebron since April 1, 2017. Consumers and small businesses with variable energy contracts in 2021/2022 were hit hardest, as energy suppliers increased prices most sharply during that period and subsequently kept them high for an extended period.

How long will it take before I hear from you about whether I am eligible for compensation?

If you are unsure if you are eligible to receive compensation, this FAQ has additional information regarding the timeframe and qualifying details of those affected. If you are still unsure, you may contact our team at info@mijnenergieclaim.nl. Furthermore, we will provide updates on the legal proceedings on our website at https://www.mijnenergieclaim.nl/ or https://www.consumerjustice.eu

What is the intended remedy of the claim?

The Consumer Justice Foundation aims to reverse the price increases and obtain fair compensation for everyone who has suffered losses due to unexpected and significant increases in their energy costs as a result of the unlawful conduct of Dutch energy companies. We also seek to put an end to their unfair commercial practices.

Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for those affected. Since we also believe that the energy companies have violated competition law and acted unlawfully, we hold them jointly and severally liable for the damages already suffered and those that will still occur.

What makes this claim different than other claims against the energy companies?

In short, the Consumer Justice Foundation's claim is stronger, more comprehensive, and better substantiated than those of other initiatives:

Our claim has a broader scope, which could mean higher compensation for our clients. Independent research by the Foundation also shows that the energy suppliers not only used the invalid clauses to unilaterally increase their rates, but also did so in an organized and anti-competitive manner, despite opposition at the time from the Consumers' Association and the Homeowners' Association.

More energy suppliers were also sued in our class action than in the other two. While other organizations attributed this collective rate agreement to only six energy companies, our Foundation sued ten suppliers. This means, among other things, that our claims are more fundamental and comprehensive, and that those who support our action are better represented.

Our claim also represents the largest group of victims. Thanks to expert analyses, the Foundation can represent not only consumers and households in the Netherlands, but also small businesses. With this broader approach, targeting more defendants and benefiting a larger group of victims, based on more legal grounds, the foundation strives for a more definitive outcome for all involved.

Our claim is supported by respected and well-funded organizations, ensuring that every aspect of your claim is carefully managed, from investigation and preparation to legal action.

Where can I see a timeline of events in the claim?

The Consumer Justice Foundation maintains a log of the investigation and proceedings on our About the Claim page, where you can view updates and important dates throughout the investigation process. You can also follow the claim on Facebook or Instagram.

About the Consumer Justice Foundation

Who is the Consumer Justice Foundation?

The Consumer Justice Foundation is committed to assisting Dutch citizens with access to justice. The Consumer Justice Foundation strives to hold corporate violators to account. The Foundation has retained the prestigious law firms of bureau Brandeis to assist with the Foundation's mission. Hagens Berman, recognized as a top US class-action firm for its pioneering work in consumer rights law, will fund the claim.

Who are the board members?

Our Foundation is governed by a supervised board of directors, whose activities are governed by the Claim Code 2019. The board of directors is obliged to comply with this Claim Code and report on it annually. Board members receive only a fee for expenses related to the functioning of the Foundation and for attending meetings. These amounts are determined by the Supervisory Board. The board meets as often as the directors call a meeting and each director has one vote. Read more about the Foundation’s governance.

Does the Consumer Justice have other claims?

Yes, the Consumer Justice Foundation is currently pursuing a case against Apple for its anti-competitive behavior and abuse of market dominance, based on violations against Dutch and European legislation. The Foundation plans to pursue other cases in the relevant areas of law in the near future.

How do I contact the board?

If you have a general inquiry to the Foundation, email info@righttoconsumerjustice.nl.

Why sign up with The Consumer Justice Foundation as opposed to other foundations and initiatives?

The Consumer Justice Foundation unites many consumers under a common claim, giving Dutch consumers more leverage and less risk. We operate without upfront costs to you, on a no-win, no-fee basis: if your claim doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay. Our governance structure is transparent and independent, with oversight from a supervisory board and strict reporting of how our resources are used to support your case. The Consumer Justice Foundation is backed by strong legal expertise, including established law firms, ensuring your case is handled professionally and with significant legal strength. For those facing unfair variable rates, this means access to justice that is affordable, accountable, and collective. Additionally, we believe our Foundation aims to bring forward a winning claim – one that is strategic, sound, and comprehensive, including consumers as well as small business owners who were also blindsided by their variable rate energy contracts.

About the Dutch Courts’ Rulings

What did the Amsterdam District Court decide?

On February 24, 2023, the Amsterdam District Court ruled in a case between a consumer and Vattenfall that the amendment clause was unfair and that Vattenfall had committed unfair commercial practices by providing unclear information about the clause on its website. The court declared the amendment clause invalid and prohibited Vattenfall from changing the rates of the variable energy contract.

What did the Amsterdam Court of Appeals decide?

Vattenfall unsuccessfully challenged this ruling. On March 25, 2025, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal also ruled that there had been unfair commercial practices and that the amendment clause was unfair. The court therefore fully upheld the Amsterdam District Court's ruling.

About the Variable Contract

What's wrong with the variable energy contract?

Your energy contract remains valid, but the price change clause for variable contracts, as set out in the General Terms and Conditions for the Supply of Gas and Electricity to Small Consumers (Article 19.3), has been deemed unfair. Since April 2017, Energie-Nederland, or rather its members (the energy suppliers), has applied these General Terms and Conditions, including this unfair clause, meaning that everyone who uses their electricity and gas services has also been affected by unfair price increases.

When do I need to have had a variable energy contract to be able to register?

Those affected currently have a variable energy contract or have had a variable contract for some time since April 2017.

How can I find out if I have a dynamic, fixed, or variable rate energy contract?

To determine if your energy contract in the Netherlands is a variable contract, look for terms like "variable rate," "variabel tarief," or a pricing structure that isn't fixed. Your energy provider will have specific details indicating whether your price remains constant for a certain period or changes quarterly or semi-annually.

Next Steps

What do I need to do next?

Registering your claim via our website is the only required action currently. We'll send you additional information and instructions as soon as they become available. Future actions may include uploading additional supporting documents regarding your billing, or other paperwork. Rest assured that our legal team will guide you through each stage of the process, for which you will be given adequate time to respond.

When will I receive a questionnaire from you for submitting an energy claim?

The Foundation may issue questionnaires in the future to collect additional information, but currently, you only need to concern yourself with registering via our website. Once this initial engagement is done, we will notify you of any next steps, including a questionnaire, when that time comes.

What happens now?

As the class action proceeds, new developments will be published on the foundation's website, and those who have indicated they wish to be kept informed will be kept informed.

We regularly update our claimants on the latest developments. You will be informed as soon as there are any developments.Stay Informed

Will I be kept informed about the progress of my claim?

Yes, after you register, everyone who has registered will receive a confirmation email at the email address they provided. If you have indicated that you would like to receive further communications from the foundation, we will send you updates about the class action and the investigation as it progresses.

How will I stay informed about the progress of my claim?

If you have opted in to receive further communications from us, the foundation will send you updates about the class action and the investigation as it progresses. You may find our news page helpful for reading about important updates and upcoming deadlines.

What are your social media channels?

The foundation will continue to update our Facebook page as the case progresses.

What happens if I want compensation?

To do this, you first need to register on our website by completing a simple form and answering a few simple questions. That's all you need to do now. We will send you additional information and instructions as they become available.

How do I find out if my energy contract has dynamic, fixed, or flexible rates?

You can find out if your energy contract in the Netherlands has variable rates by searching for terms like "variable rate," "variable prices," or a rate structure that isn't fixed. Your energy supplier will have specific information indicating whether your price remains constant over a certain period or is reset quarterly or annually.

Contact

How do I contact you?

Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you learn more about your right to file a claim. Please email info@mijnenergieclaim.nl.