What about gas? While a Brussels resident pays, on average, 167 euros per year for gas distribution, this cost will rise to 188 euros in 2025, before reaching 202 euros in 2029.
Between 2024 and 2029, there will therefore be an increase of 21% in gas distribution prices, and 32% in electricity distribution prices.
Electricity: how changes in tariff formulas have increased the bills of Brussels residents
In addition, Elia, the manager of the high voltage electricity network, will also increase its prices, starting next year. This increase will be reflected in electricity bills in three regions of the country.
According to Brugel, this increase “by more than 60%” Elia tariffs represent an annual cost of 23 euros (incl. VAT), for average electricity consumption (2104 kWh) in Brussels.
By adding the increase in Elia prices and the increase in Sibelga prices for gas and electricity, a customer will see their energy bills increase by 67 euros (incl. VAT) per year in Brussels.
Inflation catch-up
How can these increases be explained? Brugel argues that Sibelga was unable to increase its distribution rates during the previous pricing period, marked by high inflation (“nearly 20%”). So there is a “adjustment to catch up with uncompensated inflation during the previous period”. In addition, Sibelga will invest in the energy transition. This involves the installation of smart meters, the strengthening and digitalization of the network, as well as the financing of projects such as energy sharing.
In 2025, the budget for electricity distribution in Brussels will be 273.9 million euros, compared to 112.1 million for gas. All of this money will not go into Sibelga’s pockets since part of it is used to finance Brussels policies.
