Flemish electricity firms to cut-off late payers

8 January 2004

BRUSSELS –Flemish electricity companies are to sanction consumers who refuse to pay their gas and electricity bills on time by putting an end to their contracts.

Thousands of customers stand to be cut off when the measures come into application from 1 February if they continue to defer payment on their gas and electricity bills.

Although Electrabel still the largest energy supplier in the region, the energy market was liberalised on 1 June last, meaning a range of companies are now active in the market.

To prevent defaulters moving to other gas and electricity suppliers, several companies are considering the creation of a black list.

Energy suppliers will have to stick to strict rules however when they want to terminate a contract.

Those who can no longer find a supplier will be able to get a limited power supply via emergency procedures.

Subject: Belgian news