Home battery installations have increased significantly in the Netherlands, according to the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The regulator says the abolition of the net-metering scheme from January 1 could make them a more appealing option for some households. Batteries allow homeowners to store surplus solar power for later use instead of selling it back to the grid at a lower rate.
The ACM recorded around 89,000 home batteries at households and businesses at the end of last month, up from approximately 20,000 a year earlier. The actual number is likely higher, as small plug-in batteries are not always reported to grid operators. The total registered capacity also grew substantially, rising from 0.3 to around 1.1 gigawatts over the same period.
Once the net-metering scheme ends, households will no longer be able to deduct the electricity they supply to the grid from their own electricity consumption. This could lead to higher energy bills for people with solar panels.
The ACM recommends that households review their current energy contracts to make sure they still meet their needs. It also cautions against misleading sales tactics that encourage consumers to purchase expensive equipment they may not actually need.
The regulator recently warned about salespeople who approach people unannounced at their doors or over the phone, pressuring them to make costly purchases on the spot.
The ACM’s Energy Monitor shows that electricity prices have been negative for just over 400 hours so far this year, fewer than in either of the past two years. The regulator suggests that the increase in battery storage may be helping to reduce electricity surpluses and, consequently, the number of hours with negative prices.
Reporting by ANP
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