How does a dynamic energy contract work?
The basics: the hourly market price, your supplier markup, tax and fixed costs.
Updated on 10 November 2026
Dynamic energy contract: how it works and who it suits
You pay the market price per hour or quarter hour, plus your supplier markup and fixed costs. What that means in practice, and how to choose.
No obligation: you go to the provider’s website and decide yourself. Advertisement: this page contains sponsored links.
Now, per kWh (market price)
A dynamic contract pays off when your usage can move. With an electric car, a heat pump, a boiler or a home battery you earn back the price gap between day and night. If you use little and at fixed moments, the difference with a fixed contract is small and you mainly pay for more uncertainty. The standing charge and the markup per kWh differ per supplier, so compare those before you switch.
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Pros and cons
What you gain, what you risk and where the balance tips.
Dynamic, fixed or variable
The three contract types side by side, with the difference in price risk.
The advance payment
Why the monthly amount moves and how to avoid a bill at the end.
Dynamic gas contracts
Gas follows a daily price instead of an hourly one.
Switching: Frank, NextEnergy or Tibber
Eleven suppliers compared on price and on what they automate for you.
Frequently asked questions
The questions that come up most, answered briefly.
Other sections
Frequently asked questions
Who is a dynamic energy contract worth it for?
Households with usage that can wait. An electric car, a heat pump, an electric boiler or a home battery make the difference, because you can move them to the cheap hours.
What happens if prices rise sharply?
Your bill rises with them, because you pay the market price of the moment. That is the real difference with a fixed contract: you trade certainty for a lower average. Dynamic, fixed or variable →
Do I need a smart meter?
Yes. A dynamic contract settles per hour or quarter hour, which only works with a smart meter that reports quarter-hour readings.
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Sources: Dutch government (Rijksoverheid), Consumentenbond, the ACM and the websites of the providers mentioned. Editorial team dynamische-energieprijs.nl. This is not advice: always check current prices and terms with the provider.
Ready to save?
- You open the provider’s website.
- You see the current prices and terms yourself.
- You decide. There is no obligation.