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Consumer organization Test Aankoop warns of “terrifying” tariffs for electricity and natural gas in November, and fears that many people will no longer be able to pay their bill.
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jvhSource: Own reporting, Belgium
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Test Aankoop talks about “downright frightening rates”. According to the consumer organization, an average family that has to renew an expiring electricity contract in November must pay 780 euros for a new contract with a fixed rate. That is 33 percent more than the record level in October, and 135 percent more than in 2019. That is only for energy itself, so without network tariffs and taxes.
For natural gas, the picture is “even more hallucinatory”, according to Test Aankoop. This concerns 2,500 euros per year at a fixed rate, or a doubling in two months. “If we add the network tariffs and levies, we arrive at an annual invoice of more than 3,000 euros, almost three times as much as two years ago,” says Test Aankoop. On average, you pay a little less for a variable contract, but there too the increase is significant: from 1,900 euros in October to 2,240 euros in November.
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Above, Test Aankoop notes that many suppliers have completely or partially canceled their fixed offer. “Today there are only about 20 fixed tariff plans on the market for electricity in Flanders and Wallonia, and only a dozen for natural gas. A halving compared to a few months ago. It is distressing in Brussels: there are only 2 fixed rate plans left.”
What now?
Test Aankoop therefore advises consumers whose energy contract is expiring to compare, for example via this tool on their website. “Of course, prices have skyrocketed with all suppliers, but now it is more beneficial than ever to look for the most advantageous contract for your profile.”
“Today it makes no sense to lock in the high prices for a year,” the organization said. “If you do prefer a fixed rate, be sure to follow price developments closely in the coming months and switch as soon as prices fall again. With a variable contract, you automatically enjoy the declines in the market.”
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