The Flemish energy regulator VREG has approved the new distribution network rates for the Flemish electricity and natural gas invoice. On average, electricity rates will increase by 120 euros (+33%), and for natural gas, by around 15 euros (+6%).
A revision of the grid rates will increase electricity costs for an average family by one-third. A family with an electricity consumption of 3,500 kWh and an average monthly peak of 4.26 kW will pay 483 euros in grid rates next year, 120 euros or 33 percent more than this year. This is mainly due to Elia’s sharp increase in the high-voltage grid rates charged.
Natural gas
The network rates for natural gas also rise by 6 percent, or 15 euros extra annually. A family with a natural gas consumption of 17,000 kWh per year will pay 260 euros in grid rates in 2025, the highest amount since 2018. Because we use less natural gas, the cost per unit is increasing.
The distribution network rates that the VREG approves are the rates for bringing electricity and natural gas to the front door. They cover the costs that grid operator Fluvius incurs for constructing and maintaining the distribution networks and the transmission costs that Fluvius pays to high-voltage grid operator Elia. The sharp increase in tariffs in 2025 is mainly due to a sharp increase in transmission network tariffs, which increased by 80 percent.
Social reform
However, Flemish Minister of Energy Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit) promises to reform the electricity bill. She wants social reform, cheaper electricity, and renovation to help people consume less.
Not only do families pay higher network rates, but companies also pay more. The grid rates for medium-voltage companies will increase by 39 percent.
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