Energy suppliers critical of Maron: ‘Bruselaar is the victim’
Brussels abolishes capital limiters. That is stated in a new ordinance that is being discussed today in the Brussels Parliament. The Minister of Energy wants to improve access to energy for everyone and at the same time improve the functioning of the market in Brussels. The energy suppliers react skeptically: “It is doubtful whether this ordinance will do anything.”
Brugel sounded the alarm some time ago because the Brussels Region is heading for a duopoly with only two energy suppliers: Engie and TotalEnergies. Many suppliers ignore Brussels because the rules are too stiff and the customer is overprotected. This duopoly disrupts the functioning of the market and ultimately leads to higher prices.
That was not before the energy crisis erupted. That has made the situation even worse. Recently Octa+ and Aeco stopped supplying gas and electricity to households in Brussels. Mega is no longer taking on new customers. Only Engie, TotalEnergies and the smaller Bolt are still active.
Today, Minister Maron is proposing an ordinance that should make the energy market more flexible, in order to stimulate competition. At the same time, he also wants to supplement energy poverty. “Access to energy for everyone is paramount,” says Maron.
debt
In concrete terms, Maron abolishes the power limiter. Today, it limited electricity to 2300 watts for customers with payment difficulties. According to Maron, a wealth limiter is not efficient and does not help to limit the debt burden of households.
Maron introduces a new principle: the guaranteed delivery† Who has debts with two energy suppliers for 12 months at the social rate. This should give the consumer time to repay the debts. The OCMW provides guidance.
The cane existing statute of protected customer will then again be limited to a maximum of 5 years, except for those who are in debt mediation.
Consumers will be able to switch more quickly to another price supplier and suppliers are obliged to communicate clearly about energy.
To prepare Brussels for the energy transition, measures are also being taken that allow the establishment of energy communities. for example, owners of solar panels of a geothermal installation can sell the energy themselves to neighbors, and collective systems can be set up. They will also be able to install slim meters.
Sibelga will also be required to install if market defects come up.
opposition angry
The ordinance was approved by the government on February 8.
Today the Committee on the Environment will be discussing, so that it can be approved quickly in plenary on Friday. The ordinance should already be in force by March 31.
The opposition to the parliament, PvdA, is all outraged because this text is only delivered to parliament very late, while it is a technical text of no less than 400 pages. The discussion will therefore continue on Wednesday.
N-VA wants to submit a number of amendments on Wednesday, “because this ordinance will not bring new suppliers to Brussels,” says Member of Parliament Cieltje Van Achter (N-VA).
Febeg skeptical
Febeg, the umbrella organization of energy suppliers, is also skeptical about the ordinance. “It’s good that there is an awareness that there is a problem, but it is doubtful whether this ordinance will do anything,” said spokesman Stéphane Bocqué.
According to Febeg, the energy suppliers in Brussels have to run for the many defaulters and that deters them from entering the market. According to Bocqué, this ordinance will not change that much.
“That’s a shame because it means that the people of Brussels miss the energy contracts. Of course it is good that people who can pay bills have been helped, but there are also other inhabitants of Brussels. They are now the victims.”
“That is all the more so in a sector in full development, with the energy transition, where a rich and simultaneous market is right,” said Bocqué.