How to interpret your energy bill? Find out more about the biggest costs
Your energy bill for electricity or natural gas includes a whole range of figures. So, it's not always clear which factors impact on the overall amount. In Flanders, you can always find four entries on your energy bill: energy costs, a green energy contribution, network costs and taxes. If you heat using gas, you won't pay a contribution for green energy. We will help you understand your energy bill and explain how you can reduce energy consumption.
Energy costs: 30-50% of your energy bill
The energy costs are calculated on the basis of your personal usage and the price the supplier charges. This includes administrative costs, production costs, and a profit margin. With electricity, the energy costs amount to about 30% of the overall amount; this is around 50% with natural gas.
Mandatory contribution for renewable energy
On your energy bill for electricity, you will see a green energy contribution. Since 2012, each supplier has had to buy in green energy. As a customer, you contribute to the production and innovation with respect to renewable energy. This green energy contribution makes up just under 10% of your energy bill.
Network costs and taxes
Network costs are the biggest part of the bill: 40% of the overall amount for electricity and 30% for gas. This price includes transport and distribution of energy and network maintenance. You also pay taxes and charges on energy consumption (21%).
Note: from 1 January 2022, there will also be a capacity rate. Your network costs will no longer be calculated on the basis of your monthly energy consumption, but your peak consumption demand. This is the maximum output that your appliances use collectively. The capacity rate should make people smarter and more efficient with the energy they use.
How to make savings on your energy bill
Your energy bill includes a few fixed costs, where you can't make savings (network costs, taxes and green energy contribution). But, you can make savings on energy costs. And the future is electric! With modern electric radiators, you can heat economically and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Combine your radiators with a heat pump for a really sustainable solution.
Read our tips for cheaper heating or pay a visit to a Brugman sales point in your neighbourhood.
