Explained in 1 minute: the netting scheme
In 'Explained in 1 minute', you'll understand that one term that everyone mentions but nobody explains. Today: the netting scheme.
Published on February 25, 2025
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Our DATA+ expert, Elcke Vels, explores AI, cyber security, and Dutch innovation. Her "What if..." column imagines bold scenarios beyond the norm.
Sometimes, we hear a term on the news or at a birthday party and realize we don't know precisely what it means. But then we don't dare to ask because we think we should already know. Don't worry! We will explain it to you in one minute. Today: the net metering scheme (salderingsregeling). Let's go!
The net metering scheme is a regulation for people with solar panels. During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. You use some of it immediately in your home, for example, on your refrigerator or washing machine. You return the electricity you do not use directly to the grid. You use electricity from the grid in the evening or on cloudy days.
With the net metering scheme, you can deduct the electricity you feed back into the grid from the electricity you use. Suppose you use 3,000 kWh and feed back 2,500 kWh, then you only pay for the remaining 500 kWh. This ensures that your energy bill is lower.
However, the scheme will end on January 1, 2027 in the Netherlands. After that date, you will no longer be able to completely offset the electricity you return against your consumption. You will, however, receive compensation from your energy supplier for the electricity you return, which will be lower than the price you pay for the electricity you purchase.