Electricity bills set to rise sharply
According to figures from the Flemish energy regulator Vreg, the annual electricity bill for an average family in Flanders will rise by almost 50% from 675.63 euro currently to 1,005 euro from 1 January 2016. The price hike has come about in part as a result of the scrapping of the free electricity (+80 euro/year) allowance for every Flemish family.
However the electricity distribution tariffs have been re-calculated and will rise by an average of 12 euro/year.
Furthermore, changes to corporation tax for companies in the energy industry and the raising of VAT from 6% to 21% have also served to push up the price of electricity. Finally, the Flemish Government’s energy charge will set the average family back an extra hundred or so euro/year.
VREG’s Thierry Van Craenenbroeck told the VRT that "Over the past few years deficits have been built up and they need to be got rid of over the coming five years".
An average family uses 3,500 kWh of electricity per annum.
On a more positive note, the gas bill will fall by an average of 3%.