Belgian federal energy regulator, CREG, sees no urgent need to suddenly switch energy contracts, despite calls from price comparison sites to review them immediately.
In May, prices for both fixed and variable electricity and natural gas products are set to fall further, by approximately 5% for electricity and 12% for natural gas.
Price comparison sites have pointed out that this may be an opportune moment to reconsider energy contracts.
However, CREG notes that about 70% of households have ongoing variable contracts. These households will automatically benefit from the decreasing prices and do not need to take any action.
According to CREG, there is "no urgency" to suddenly change contracts. "It is being suggested that it’s now or never, but first review what you currently have. There is no need for haste," spokesperson Annemarie De Vreese advises.
For those with fixed contracts established in 2023 and 2024, CREG recommends using their scan tool to evaluate options and consider contract changes.
The regulator also points out that fixed natural gas contracts remain around 23% or €185 per year more expensive than variable ones. For electricity, the difference is approximately 22% or €115 annually.
Among variable energy contracts, significant price differences persist, ranging from €300 to €400 per year. For fixed contracts, price differences span from €250 for electricity to as much as €500 for natural gas.
