The obligation to offer fixed contracts once again in Flanders is unnecessary, according to the Belgian Federation of Electricity and Gas Companies (FEBEG).
The federation's reaction followed an announcement on Wednesday by Flemish Energy Minister Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit) that she aims to mandate all suppliers in Flanders to resume offering fixed contracts.
“There is currently a wide range of fixed contracts available, giving customers a choice," FEBEG General Manager Marc Van den Bosch argued. "The obligation will make little difference for customers. It shows that the market operates without this obligation. The free market should be allowed to run its course.”
FEBEG reiterated its call for a termination fee at the federal level.
In his policy document, Flemish Consumer Protection Minister Rob Beenders (Vooruit) announced a pro-rata termination fee for new fixed contracts over a two-year period. An evaluation will then assess whether reinstating this requirement has reduced prices.
Beenders believes the ban on termination fees by energy suppliers has led to an increase in fixed-contract prices.
Fixed contracts were standard for a long time in Flanders. Until 2022, over 70% of households had opted for this type of contract for electricity and gas.
During the energy crisis, which caused energy prices to soar, most suppliers ended their fixed contracts.
