ACM: Heat rates have not been raised unnecessarily | Money

The maximum price that heat providers are allowed to charge is linked to the gas price. Residual heat is used for a heat network, for example from waste incineration, but also gas. Gas prices have gone through the roof in recent months. Households that are connected to a heat network and cannot switch have therefore automatically started paying considerably more.

The link between the gas price and the maximum heat rates has been a thorn in the side of consumer organizations and responsible minister Rob Jetten ever since. Jetten sees if he can have this adjusted.

ACM now concludes that heat suppliers have not passed on the full maximum permitted price increase to their customers, but have remained 18% below this. There is therefore no question of abuse, the authority writes. Total costs increased by an average of 41% at the five largest providers.

Heating network on natural gas

Four heat suppliers have passed on the maximum price increase. Their heat networks therefore run entirely on natural gas. The suppliers do charge a lower rate for residents who are connected to a network that also uses other sources.

“When determining the maximum rates in December last year, we urged heat suppliers to only increase their rates if this is necessary to cover increased costs. Suppliers have raised their tariffs sharply because of the high energy prices, but there does not seem to be any abuse by achieving higher profits. We will continue to keep a close eye on suppliers,” says board member Manon Leijten.

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