The new Energy Act: how Twikey keeps you compliant

On 1 July 2026, a new phase of the Energy Act in the Netherlands will enter into force (the first phase starts on 1 January 2026). The Act replaces the 1998 Electricity Act and Gas Act. The phase that starts on 1 July obliges all energy suppliers, among other things, to verify whether a new contract holder corresponds to the IBAN holder.

What does this mean in concrete terms for suppliers?

When concluding a new contract, you must check within 90 days whether the name of the contract holder matches the name of the IBAN holder. This applies to both individual consumers and small business customers. After the check, there are three possible outcomes:

• match between IBAN and name: everything is in order.
• mismatch: inform your customer and ask for a correction, explanation or confirmation.
• no response or confirmation

On paper this sounds like a lot of extra work, but it doesn’t have to be.

How Twikey helps

Twikey makes compliance with the Energy Act simple, fast and fully automated. Our solution combines IBAN name validation with the ability to obtain a SEPA direct debit mandate online in one go.

IBAN validation and direct debit mandate in a single step

Obtaining the SEPA mandate can be done at various points in the process, so it doesn’t create friction in the onboarding of new customers. Practical examples where this is currently used include:

• during the sign-up process
• in the contract confirmation
• via the first invoice or first payment invitation
• in the energy supplier’s ‘my account’ area

More than 25 Dutch energy companies already use Twikey for their onboarding and direct debit processes, resulting in:

• validated IBAN and name
• less fraud
• better payment results
• lower administrative burden
• full SEPA compliance

Compliant even without a mandate

Does a customer (yet) not want to issue a direct debit mandate? No problem. Twikey can also carry out an IBAN–name check without any customer action, and report back the result. This way, you still meet the IBAN name validation requirement.

Extensive verification options, legally and technically sound

In addition to IBAN–name checks, Twikey offers optional extra validations, fully configurable to your needs:

• age of an account
• balance information
• chargeback behaviour in Direct Debits

Twikey’s digital mandates are legally valid and meet the strictest security standards. We process only the data that is strictly necessary and fully comply with Dutch and European privacy legislation (GDPR/AVG). On top of that, we have also been working closely with most Dutch banks for many years.

The benefits in a nutshell

• You comply with the new Energy Act
• Automatic IBAN–name checks and reporting
• E-mandates (digital direct debits): legally robust and SEPA compliant
• Fraud reduction through direct verification
• Time savings: no in-house development needed
• Full automation of notifications and customer communication
• Improved cashflow thanks to higher direct debit success rates

Conclusion

With Twikey, you achieve two goals at once: you effortlessly meet the new identification requirement and optimise your payment processes. That way, you stay compliant and save time.