Though leaves are falling and Halloween has been and gone, it hardly feels like November. In fact, energy consumption during October was down 30% in Belgium compared to previous years. Whilst this might be down to companies and the State being more energy conscious, at an individual level it hasn't been so difficult to be sparing with our usage.
The weather has been so balmy that there really hasn't been a need to put the heating on, which normally would account for the majority of household energy use. The drop in demand even saw LNG prices go negative with laden tankers unable to offload their supplies as Europe's reserves are largely full to capacity.
Sadly this will inevitably come to an end, with temperatures falling tomorrow and unlikely to rise to last week's warmth until after the winter. Households generally switch on heating when daily temperatures fall below 16.5°C, which is exactly what is forecast.
As such, energy support measures have again been top of Belgium's agenda. A new allowance will kick in from November (though will be applied retroactively at the end of December) granting certain households significant assistance with their gas and electricity bills. The total could amount to €400 by the end of the year.
In most cases final bills will still exceed those for previous winters but the assistance will be welcome nonetheless. Exactly who will benefit should be communicated later next week but the measure should be wide-reaching. If you are deemed eligible, it is key that the customer details on their energy contract match those in the national register.
And woolly jumpers and thick socks are definitely back in fashion.
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1. Saving €400: 'Energy package' to offset mounting costs comes into force
The Federal Government's "basic energy package" has come into effect, which will see many people get a discount on their energy bills in November and December. Read more.
2. Energy consumption in Belgium fell almost 30% in autumn
The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) has indicated in its latest figures that energy consumption has decreased in Belgium by 28% compared to prior years. Read more.
3. Did sex kill the Neanderthals?
One reason for the Neanderthals' extinction, as stated in a recently published scientific paper, was not starvation, predation, or extermination at the hands of another hominid species, but, rather, sex. More specifically, sex with humans. Read more.
4. TUI sends two aeroplanes for 250 stranded tourists in Cuba and Mexico
Tour operator TUI has chartered two planes for some 250 travellers stranded in Cuba and the Mexican city of Cancún since Sunday after their flights kept being delayed due to technical problems. Read more.
5. Russian billionaire renounces citizenship in protest against war in Ukraine
Oleg Tinkoff, a well-known Russian billionaire and the founder of Tinkoff Bank, has renounced his citizenship in protest against Russia's war in Ukraine. Read more.
6. Flanders simplifies and funds internships to get people into work
The process for people who struggle to enter the labour market, either due to a lack of experience or health issues and social barriers, to apply for a work experience placement in Flanders will be simplified next year. Read more.
7. Belgium to Scotland ferry link likely to return next year
As soon as next year, the direct ferry route between Belgium and Scotland – which ceased to operate four years ago after a fire broke out on the Finlandia Seaways ferry – could be reinstated, initially for freight but later also for passengers. Read more.
