Netherlands ACM News

ACM Roadmap for Dutch Collective Heat Act, January 2027

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has published a roadmap outlining milestones for implementation of the Dutch Collective Heat Act (Wet collectieve warmte, Wcw), which will replace the Dutch Heat Act (Warmtewet) effective January 1, 2027. The new law introduces cost-based tariff regulation in three phases: Phase 1 corrects natural-gas price linkages when the Act takes effect; Phase 2 sets cost-based tariffs for large systems (>1,500 users) by 2030; Phase 3 sets allowed-revenue tariffs for large systems from 2034. ACM will conduct stakeholder consultations on regulatory accounting rules in spring 2026 and on the standardized asset value method in mid-2026.

Chatbot Guidelines Stakeholder Input Requested, Deadline May 17

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) are jointly calling on stakeholders to submit input by May 17, 2026, on guidelines for responsible chatbot use in customer service and public communication. The authorities have received reports of recurring issues including transparency concerns, reliability, accessibility, and data handling. The five focus areas are: clear explanations to users, correct and reliable answers, the role of human contact, accessibility for everyone, and secure data handling. Draft guidelines will be published in summer 2026 for consultation, with final guidelines expected in fall 2026.

Somia Azahaf Appointed Director of ACM Consumer Department

ACM has announced the appointment of Somia Azahaf as Director of its Consumer Department, effective 1 August 2026. Azahaf brings over a decade of regulatory and compliance experience from the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, Ministry of Finance, and most recently as CCO at pension fund APG Groep NV. She succeeds in the role following a competitive selection process conducted by the Dutch Senior Civil Service (DGABD).