Belgian government issues ultimatum to non-compliant energy suppliers

State Secretary for consumer protection Eva De Bleeker is giving energy suppliers who still do not have a performing customer service, despite repeated insistence and fines from the Economic Inspectorate, one more week week to come up with a "clear step-by-step plan". If such plans do not materialise, she will go to court, De Bleeker said on public broadcaster VRT's on Sunday programme 'De Zevende Dag'.

High gas and electricity prices appear to be accompanied by an increase in complaints about energy suppliers. For example, despite agreements made with the state secretary, many customers are still not clear about how advance bills are calculated. "Perhaps the urgency is not clear, or those suppliers do not realise how insecure customers become when they receive high advance bills", says De Bleeker.

"My patience has run out. If, despite such a fine, there is still no action to resolve the identified infringements, I will file claims with colleagues and I can go to court."

The Economic Inspectorate is already conducting investigations, and a justified complaint can result in a fine of up to 80.000 euros. But despite this, seven suppliers are proving to be stubborn. "My patience has run out. If, despite such a fine, there is still no action to resolve the identified infringements, I will file claims with colleagues and I can go to court", De Bleeker said.

She is now giving the suppliers involved - about which she could not reveal any information, except that both large and small suppliers are involved - another week to come up with clear step-by-step plans. These include providing more clarity on invoices and making customer services perform better. "Those customer services just have to expand, even though I know that sometimes it is hard to find people", De Bleeker said. "It's all hands on deck."

(BRV)

© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE