The board of directors of the distribution network operator Fluvius ratified this Wednesday the increase in network tariffs for electricity and natural gas in 2023. The network operator is making a financial effort of 119 million euros to contain this increase. Distribution network tariffs – which are the tariffs for building and maintaining the network – are expected to increase by 37 euros for an average family next year: 15 euros for electricity and 22 euros for natural gas . This increase comes after years of decline and is the result of rising inflation. The Flemish energy regulator, VREG, determines to what extent the costs can be passed on to the tariffs.
The board of directors of Fluvius – the operating company of the various network operators – has therefore ratified this increase. According to Fluvius, moreover, the increase in network tariffs could have been much greater: 137 euros instead of 37 euros.
Fluvius also points out that the increase in net electricity tariffs is the result of rising transmission costs at high voltage operator Elia. They will increase by 50 million euros in 2023. Fluvius is obliged to pass on these costs to the distribution network tariff. Fluvius’ actual funds for electricity distribution will be 9 million less in 2023 than in 2022.
Flemish Energy Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) reacted “angrily” only last week to the increased costs that Fluvius wanted to pass on. She asked the board of directors to prevent this increase.
It is “the worst possible signal in a period of purchasing power crisis”, denounced the minister in a response on Wednesday. “This choice is completely irresponsible in the midst of the energy crisis, it puts many people in difficulty. Flanders has decided that no additional costs will be passed on to the energy bill. This decision has now been reversed by Fluvius.”