The Netherlands has excellent infrastructure. All houses essentially have electricity, gas drinking water connection and in big cities high speed internet and cable are ubiquitous. To keep the Dutch energy market competitive, it was de-regulated on 1 July 2004. Many utility companies offer integrated services, providing gas and electricity. Customers can choose their own energy provider.

While energy companies are many, getting connected to utilities suppliers can be time-consuming and difficult for people who don't speak Dutch. Although most Dutch people speak English, you need to get through Dutch-language telephone menus before you can speak to an operator. If it proves too challenging, get a Dutch colleague or friend to help. This will speed things up infinitely.

There are numerous companies offering gas and electricity supplies. Tariffs vary from company to company and "green" options, ecostroom, where the power is sourced from environmentally sound areas or drawn from clean renewable sources such as sun, sea and wind are increasingly popular.

Electricity in Netherlands is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Netherlands with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Reduced night tariffs are available if the property has a meter fitted. The reduced tariff is available from 23:00-07:00 and at weekends, from Friday 23:00 until 07:00 Monday.

Below is a list of some of the main gas and electricity suppliers in the Netherlands.

• Essent Groene Stroom http://www.essent.nl
• Nuon (Amsterdam) http://www.nuon.nl
• OXXIO http://www.oxxio.nl

Water

In the Netherlands, you can be ensured of clean drinking water from the tap anywhere in the country. The water companies, the national government and provinces all play their roles to contribute to this supply of clean water.

The Netherlands is split into geographical water areas. Water boards (Waterschappen) are responsible for flood control, management of regional water resources (quantity and quality) and treatment of urban wastewater.

Tax is charged for clean water and the consumer is charged for the amount of water used. In rental accommodation, water bills are often handled by the agent or landlord. The district water board purges the water piped to households and companies and charges a pollution tax for this. The pollution assessment is often combined with the refuse and sewage charges levied by the municipality, or with the account from the waterworks. Home owners take responsibility for the condition of the water supply lines in their home.

You can reach the main water supplier in Amsterdam at 020 553 6396.

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