Utility Setup Assistance

Navigating the 'G/W/L' Setup

For a newcomer to the Netherlands, one of the first and most confusing administrative tasks is setting up the contracts for gas, water, and electricity (Gas, Water, Licht - G/W/L). The Dutch energy market is privatized and competitive, meaning there are dozens of suppliers to choose from, each with different rates and contract types. To help with this, many real estate agencies and specialized companies offer utility setup assistance.

What to Expect

The level of assistance can vary. A good, full-service real estate agent, particularly one that works with expatriates, will often offer to handle the initial sign-up process on the tenant's behalf as part of their service. Alternatively, there are dedicated third-party 'utility connection' services. These companies, which are often free for the user (they earn a commission from the providers), will compare all the available energy and internet providers and sign the tenant up for the plans that best suit their needs. This can be a valuable time-saver and can help avoid the language barrier. However, tenants should be aware that these services may have commercial partnerships and may not always present the absolute cheapest option on the market, so doing a quick check on a price comparison website (vergelijkingssite) is always a prudent final step.