After a long period of decline and then stabilization of gas prices on European markets, we observed a new increase in prices in mid-May. While prices stagnated between 25 (sometimes a little less) and 30 euros per megawatt hour, we have reached an average slightly below 35 euros since the beginning of June. We are therefore far from a surge in prices worthy of 2022, but still an increase of more than 10%.
With what effects for us? Very concretely, energy contract prices were updated at the beginning of June, like every month. The increase that began in mid-May is already being felt, with a deposit which has increased by around €20 to €30 for gas and electricity, again depending on the average consumption of a Belgian household. If this price level becomes the norm for the coming weeks, we should therefore expect a further increase in prices at the beginning of July.
Energy: how to adapt your contract after gas price increases
We are therefore a few days away from updating the prices for all contracts. While signing a variable contract today won’t protect you next week, a fixed contract will. In 2024, the Comparateur-Energie.be site observed a change in consumer preferences, who now mainly favor variable, less expensive contracts to increase their purchasing power. “This choice allows a saving of up to 413 euros”, announces the company.
But this trend could therefore cost Belgians more in the months to come, if prices continue to increase. We are rather seeing a new plateau for the moment, but the market remains subject to various tensions and the slightest grain of sand could therefore seize up the machine. But the overall trends are rather good, according to Maxime Sonkes, CEO of Comparateur-Energie.be. “Consumers quite logically always look for the most competitive price when they use our comparison tools. In 2023, due to the uncertainty that still reigned in the market, a majority of consumers chose a more expensive fixed rate in order to protect their purchasing power. Today, they believe that paying an additional 15% to secure their rate is no longer necessary and are therefore once again opting for the most competitive contracts, which turn out to be variable contracts.”
Energy: here is how much our regularization bills have cost us over the past year
In summary, keeping your variable contract will expose you to a price increase in the coming weeks which could reach up to 300 euros per year, if prices remain at the current level. Opting for a fixed contract by the end of the week will cost you a little more initially, but with the security of keeping this rate for a year, and without the July rate increase.
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