News item | 08-03-2023 | 5:07 PM
In October, the government tightened up the disconnection policy with a temporary amendment to better protect small consumers of energy during the winter against disconnection in the event of payment problems. This tightening has led to a 68% drop in the number of closures in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter. For this reason, Ministers Jetten and Schouten want to continue the effective elements of the tightened policy after 1 April 2023, so that small consumers of energy are structurally better protected against disconnection in the event of payment problems.
The temporarily tightened disconnection policy, which has been in force since October and expires on 1 April, imposes additional obligations on the energy supplier before it is allowed to disconnect energy in an extreme case. For example, the energy supplier has an obligation to make personal contact with the consumer, whereby the supplier must be able to demonstrate that contact has been sought with the consumer at various times and in different ways. In addition, the supplier is obliged to point out the possibilities for debt assistance, a written payment reminder must be sent at least three times with a fulfillment period of at least fourteen days and the supplier is obliged to offer a reasonable and appropriate payment arrangement to ensure the repayment of the debt. spread over time.
Closing is only possible as a last step
In the intended closure policy, closure remains possible in the event of demonstrable misuse, fraud or security risks. In case of non-payment, closure is only possible as a very last step. This step may only be taken if the following four points are met:
- The payment arrears have not yet been settled after three payment reminders with a fourteen-day payment term;
- No suitable and reasonable payment arrangement can be agreed despite an offer from the supplier;
- The (small) consumer has not applied for debt assistance;
- The termination of the transport or supply of electricity, gas or heat would not result in very serious health risks for the (small) consumer or members of the household of the (small) consumer.
This strengthens the consumer’s position and provides an important degree of protection. At the same time, there remains a responsibility for the consumer to work on a solution for payment problems. In the event of payment problems, it is already a requirement that the municipality is notified in good time. In the proposed policy, the supplier will soon also have to report to the municipality if the supplier intends to terminate the contract due to non-payment.
Help with payment problems
The tightened shutdown policy provides additional protection against disconnection. However, that does not alter the fact that underlying debts can continue to exist. The government believes it is important to prevent rising debts as much as possible and is working on this with the approach to money worries, poverty and debts under the leadership of the Minister for Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions. In addition, it remains important that consumers know how to find the right authorities in time if there are threats of payment problems, so that help can be offered in a timely manner. Municipal debt assistance plays an important role in this. Geldfit can also help consumers with payment problems via geldfit.nl or 0800-8115. Finally, until 1 May 2023, an appeal can be made to the Temporary Energy Emergency Fund. This combination of measures gives the consumer more space, help and time to prevent or resolve payment problems.