The rising prices for electricity make it more worthwhile to compare different energy suppliers. Yet for many Belgians it turns out to be less expensive not to switch to another energy supplier and they often do better to stay where they are. How do you make the right choice?
Nearly a family in five took advantage of the option in 2017 to switch smoothly to another electricity supplier. In Flanders it was 19.8% of households, in Wallonia it was 19.1% and in Brussels it was 11.0%.
Individuals can change suppliers at any time. A cancellation period of 1 month is sufficient, regardless of whether they have a contract of a definite or an indefinite duration. It also doesn't matter that the contract is with a fixed or variable price. The supplier where they board may not charge a termination compensation for this.
Fixed annual fee as a brake to make the switch
A number of companies have nevertheless found something to curb the number of transfers. For example, they charge a fixed fee per delivery year in their contracts. This can be done pro rata according to the number of months delivered, but also immediately for a whole year. If you then switch quickly and pay for a whole year, you will lose that fixed fee.
Fixed-price contract is currently cheaper
The recent price increases also mean that switching now will yield less benefit. Between December 2016 and December 2017, the energy component in the total electricity price for household customers in Belgium had already risen by around 12%. The failure of the capacity of a number of nuclear power stations in Belgium has put even more pressure on the price. Anyone who has a fixed-price contract for a number of months or years can benefit from lower rates and therefore usually has little benefit from switching to a different company.
Group purchase
Anyone who intends to participate in a group purchase to get the most out of it can remain quite vigilant. A study by the specialist website energizer shows that in a number of cases an individual contract is even cheaper. This makes it possible, for example, to choose separate suppliers for gas and electricity, while these are often bundled in a group purchase. In addition, a number of companies sometimes give new customers a welcome discount, which you will miss if you opt for a group purchase.
Compare yourself with the CREG scan
If you want to see how competitive your contract is, you can always do a CREG energy scan on the website of the Commission for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas. There you will see which formula is currently most suitable for you.
This comparison is now especially useful for those who have not switched to a new supplier in all those years and therefore still have a 'historical' contract. This is often less favorable than the new agreements. Some 30 percent of families would have such a 'sleeping' contract.
Get more details: nz power companies
Nearly a family in five took advantage of the option in 2017 to switch smoothly to another electricity supplier. In Flanders it was 19.8% of households, in Wallonia it was 19.1% and in Brussels it was 11.0%.
Individuals can change suppliers at any time. A cancellation period of 1 month is sufficient, regardless of whether they have a contract of a definite or an indefinite duration. It also doesn't matter that the contract is with a fixed or variable price. The supplier where they board may not charge a termination compensation for this.
Fixed annual fee as a brake to make the switch
A number of companies have nevertheless found something to curb the number of transfers. For example, they charge a fixed fee per delivery year in their contracts. This can be done pro rata according to the number of months delivered, but also immediately for a whole year. If you then switch quickly and pay for a whole year, you will lose that fixed fee.
Fixed-price contract is currently cheaper
The recent price increases also mean that switching now will yield less benefit. Between December 2016 and December 2017, the energy component in the total electricity price for household customers in Belgium had already risen by around 12%. The failure of the capacity of a number of nuclear power stations in Belgium has put even more pressure on the price. Anyone who has a fixed-price contract for a number of months or years can benefit from lower rates and therefore usually has little benefit from switching to a different company.
Group purchase
Anyone who intends to participate in a group purchase to get the most out of it can remain quite vigilant. A study by the specialist website energizer shows that in a number of cases an individual contract is even cheaper. This makes it possible, for example, to choose separate suppliers for gas and electricity, while these are often bundled in a group purchase. In addition, a number of companies sometimes give new customers a welcome discount, which you will miss if you opt for a group purchase.
Compare yourself with the CREG scan
If you want to see how competitive your contract is, you can always do a CREG energy scan on the website of the Commission for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas. There you will see which formula is currently most suitable for you.
This comparison is now especially useful for those who have not switched to a new supplier in all those years and therefore still have a 'historical' contract. This is often less favorable than the new agreements. Some 30 percent of families would have such a 'sleeping' contract.
Get more details: nz power companies
