The government is considering loans as a solution to the problems surrounding energy bills. Energy suppliers can draw on this if people can no longer cough up the bill. The bill must eventually be (partially) paid via payment arrangements.
This is reported by insiders about the talks that the cabinet is having to do something hastily this year to ease the pain of rising energy bills. The credits could be a way to provide targeted help. People who can no longer bear the burden can turn to their energy supplier. The latter does not close them off and no longer misses out on income due to the credit.
Ultimately, according to sources, it would be up to the energy companies to collect the arrears. This could be spread over a longer period through payment arrangements, making it bearable for people. It is possible that part of the debt will be forgiven, but repayment will also be sought. This should also have a deterrent effect against possible abuse by people who do not necessarily need the help for their energy bill.
Since the end of last week, ministries have been urgently seeking to soften purchasing power for the current year. Previously, the cabinet stubbornly insisted that nothing was possible in 2022. According to insiders, a package is now being put together ‘with steam and boiling water’. There are still several options for this, such as lowering the energy tax, an emergency fund for people who completely fall through the ice or lowering the energy tax. It is still unclear whether it will be possible to arrive at a package this week.