Grootverbruiker

Grootverbruiker is a Dutch term used to describe a person or organization with a high level of consumption of a resource, most commonly electricity and gas, relative to the average consumer or small business. The term is used in regulatory, tariff, and metering contexts to distinguish large-volume users from smaller customers.

In the energy sector, grootverbruikers typically include industrial plants, large offices, hospitals, data centers, and agricultural operations. They often require supply arrangements with higher capacity, advanced metering, and sometimes different pricing regimes or contract terms. The designation can also appear in water, telecommunications, or other utility sectors where consumption levels trigger different service terms or regulatory obligations.

Because thresholds and definitions vary by country, sector, and regulator, there is no universal numeric boundary. The classification is usually based on annual consumption, peak demand, or contract size, and it may be tied to access to specialized services, capacity allocation, or energy-efficiency programs.

Etymology: The word is Dutch, composed of groot meaning large and verbruiker meaning consumer. In practice, the term helps utilities and regulators identify the segment of customers with the greatest impact on networks and resources, informing planning, pricing, and risk management.