Flemish households face higher energy bills due to increasing distribution tariffs

The Flemish energy regulator VREG has given the green light for an increase in energy distribution network tariffs in 2024. On average, the increase will be 8 per cent, or for an average family 27 euros more for electricity and 18 euros more for natural gas.

VREG cites inflation and the fact that measures in recent years to reduce energy bills now have little or no effect anymore. "However, net electricity tariffs are still lower than in the period before 2022," the regulator said. On average, distribution network tariffs will increase by 8 per cent next year, but there are regional differences.

Last month, grid operator Elia announced an increase in transmission tariffs due to major investments in the power grid to meet rising electricity demand. Belgium's federal energy regulator said in November that it had already approved a 77 per cent increase in transmission tariffs.

Distribution tariffs are the fees charged for transporting electricity and natural gas to consumers' homes. They are calculated on the basis of consumption and the region in which a consumer lives. The tariffs are only one part of the total energy bill, alongside the basic price of electricity or natural gas, VAT and other charges.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP}