Coalition is on a ruse against sky-high energy bills: emergency law is also an option to freeze rates | Politics

Energy prices have been on the rise for some time, with the war in Ukraine rates are going through the roof. Today, European gas prices hit record highs, putting the energy bills for millions of households much higher and unaffordable for lower income groups. The cabinet has already put on its first plaster, but the pressure to do more quickly is increasing.

Coalition parties are now also opening the door to rigorous interventions, as emerged tonight during an election debate on NPO Radio1. GroenLinks party leader Jesse Klaver argued in favor of removing the ‘price emergency law’ in order to freeze energy prices. This allows the government to maximize rates.

,,I really hope that the coalition will look at the price emergency law, that can be done very quickly. I find it inconceivable that people here say ‘it will take a few more weeks until we have a solution’. The energy price is already twelve times higher than a year ago, which requires immediate intervention.”

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VVD party leader Sophie Hermans opened the door to that option: ,,We are looking at all those options. I would also prefer to have this arranged by tomorrow.” Party chairman Gert-Jan Segers of the ChristenUnie also emphasized that an early compensation scheme is needed: ,,I agree with Klaver that it is impossible for us to wait so long. We have already started, there is an emergency law for the poorest, 800,000 people. But an extra step is needed. So I’m in favor of re-evaluating whether we can indeed reduce energy bills much faster.”

Previously, parties already suggested to use the extra return on gas revenues from Groningen – an estimated five billion euros more than estimated – as compensation.

The need can become dire for many families. According to the CBS, a household with average consumption can spend €110 more on gas and light per month than last year. The time that the government wants to take for a solution – ‘a few weeks’ – is taking too long for many parties.

This first major election debate ahead of the March 16 municipal elections was overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the influx of refugees and thus high energy bills. The leaders of all parties in the House of Representatives were invited, but a striking number of politicians did not attend ‘for various reasons’. PVV, Forum, Ja21, Volt, Bij1 and SGP did not show up.