Hundreds of thousands of households are waiting for new energy generation: substantial additional payment

This was apparent from a tour by RTL Z along important energy suppliers. Budget advisor Nibud is concerned because people have to postpone things.

200 euros per month is too little

A spokesperson said that at Vattenfall, which has two million customers in the Netherlands, about 10% of customers have “a very low monthly amount”. “These customers want an average increase of 200 euros per month.”

The financial results are clear: at the time of the annual declaration, they always get the underpaid amount back in one go. If you paid less than 200 euros per month for a year, you must pay an additional 2,400 euros at the end of the contract year.

Set the monthly amount

The monthly amount that you pay to your energy supplier is usually calculated annually based on the consumption of the previous year. You can adjust it up or down yourself. This way you can be sure that you are not paying too much or too little. This can be useful: for example, if you save a lot because you are isolated, you probably use less than you planned and pay less all year round.

However, many now keep the monthly amount, which corresponds to much lower rates in recent years. They probably pay very little per month. At the end of the year, you have to match the difference between what you paid for and what you actually used. If you have paid too much, you will get it back.

Eneco also states that, despite warnings from the energy supplier, there is a group that has opted for a very low monthly charge, whether forced or not. “Maybe there is a solution to survive this month financially, but be careful,” the spokesperson warns. “Otherwise you will get extra taxes and have to pay a lot of money.”

Depreciation failed

The company advises customers who can’t afford their “real” monthly installments to make a payment agreement rather than wait for a major setback. Eneco also sees an increase in the number of cases in which direct debit does not work due to insufficient funds in the account. It is too early to say clearly what this means for the financial situation of the customer in question, but it could indicate financial concerns, the spokesperson said.

The real rooster isn’t here yet

The increase in financial concerns is also visible at Essent. While the company says the number of people with payment problems has yet to rise, the outstanding number of people who already have a payment agreement is growing. At Vattenfall, the number of customers with a payment agreement has risen sharply by 30% in one year.

But the real success that Essent expected is yet to come for many customers. A spokesperson said: “The end of the year, and certainly the beginning of next year, is expected to cause more problems. “Since then, there are more people with a variable rate and people have high energy prices for a year.” † †

“Now people can still lose their monthly amount, but when the annual statement comes in, it turns out that they have to pay much more than once.”

impossible choice

Nibud is very concerned about this and says that it will not make the right choice for many people. “People who are already in financial difficulties cannot increase their monthly amount,” says director Arjan Vliegenthart. They take the pain away and then consider turning off the heating in the winter, she continues.

Vliegenthart: “Simple recommendations are no longer available for this group. They are already working on reducing the most basic expenses. A more structured solution will have to be found in cooperation with energy suppliers, government and housing associations,” he explains. cannot be left to individual households, there are very few pieces to the puzzle.”