2023-08-05 06:34:00
The start of the war in Ukraine wreaked havoc on energy prices. Rates reached unprecedented amounts, and fixed contracts had almost completely disappeared from the radar. But the trend is slowly starting to reverse, with the return of these to the supplier rate card. At the start of 2023, only one offered a fixed-price energy contract. Since then, they are seven to offer formulas, and with an update of their tariff offer, which brings a certain stability on the market. “Energy prices were fairly stable in August. While prices for some products increased slightly compared to last month, others decreased. Overall, we can therefore speak of price stagnation”, indicates Jordi Van Paemel, energy expert at Testachats in their latest statement.
Despite everything, prices remain quite high compared to the pre-energy crisis period. According to the organization, the consumer pays two to three times more for a fixed contract than during the first half of 2021. But the return to calm on the energy market might be beneficial, provided that you are well informed regarding the proposed formulas.
Pay attention to the conditions
The consumer organization looked at the offers of the seven energy suppliers, updated on Tuesday August 1. And a first observation quickly emerged: to choose well, you have to pay particular attention to prices, but also to the duration and conditions of the contract. The example with TotalEnergies, whose connection costs are set at 165 euros per year. “If you are a customer for less than a year, you will have to pay the full amount no matter what. It is only from the second year that the costs are calculated in proportion to the actual duration, a trend that we unfortunately observe with more and more suppliers”, notes the expert from Test-Achats .
Location also has an influence on prices. Depending on the region where you are, the difference between the most expensive price and the more modest one can vary. In Wallonia and Flanders, for example, the difference will be 100 euros for electricity and 250 euros for gas. In Brussels, the difference is only 50 euros for electricity.
A matter of preference
While it can be seen that energy prices, although still high compared to 2021, are in a downtrend, the difference between a fixed contract and a variable contract is still relatively large. Indeed, according to Testachats, an average household should pay 400 euros more if they wish to take out a fixed contract. What is the advantage of subscribing to this type of formula? “It all depends on your preferences and your profile. If you want the most advantageous and cheapest contract, then it will be a variable contract. Do you want to have peace of mind during the winter period? So now is the right time to switch to a fixed contract”, explains Jordi Van Paemel.
It is also interesting to think regarding the medium term. Forecasts show that the increase in demand during the autumn should also trigger a rise in prices. Not to mention a strong general consumption following a cold spell which would cause supply problems. Opting for a fixed contract might therefore allow customers to enjoy winter with peace of mind.
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