A parliamentary committee gives the green light to extend the basic energy package until the end of winter | Energy prices

Already in September the federal government decided to introduce a basic energy package to help offset higher energy bills. It comes to 135 euros for gas and 61 euros for electricity for the months of November and December.

During a budget meeting in October, the government decided to extend the package until the end of winter. So households also get an intervention of just under 100 euros per month for gas and electricity in January, February and March.

The government could still decide until the end of December to reduce this amount if energy prices fall sharply, but that does not appear to be possible at the moment.

Energy Minister Tini van der Straeten (GREEN)’s project regulating the extension of the basic energy package was given the go-ahead this afternoon in the Parliamentary Energy Committee. This was done with the support of all parties, although N-VA abstained. Flemish nationalists lament that people who heat with electricity have to make do with 30 euros a month and that the premium is not targeted at families who need it most.

Everyone with a variable power contract or with a perpetual contract dating back after sharp price increases automatically receives the basic package via bill, even though taxes must be paid above a certain income threshold. Second homes don’t qualify, but people with a group meter—as in older apartment buildings—are eligible.

The bill must now be given the green light in plenary session.

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