The sharply rising electricity and gas prices saddle more and more Belgians with payment problems. This is evident from figures from Febeg, the Federation of Belgian Electricity and Gas Companies. Since 15 March 2020 – the start of the corona crisis – this has been keeping track of how many customers can no longer pay their energy bills.
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Between the start of the census and December 15, 2021, the most recent interim balance, the energy suppliers granted 1.06 million payment facilities. With this they allow a payment deferral or agree on a payment plan. Together they represent a value of 609 million euros.
‘We see that the number of consumers who can no longer pay their bills is clearly increasing,’ says Marc Van den Bosch, director of Febeg. ‘Since December last year, energy prices have continued to rise sharply. Many customers who may have had a permanent contract will have switched to a variable contract. New figures will not be available until next month, but the number of applications for a payment facility is expected to have increased considerably.’
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