The Dutch government announced a fixed €190 discount on energy bills in November and December. The measure is intended to ease the skyrocketing energy costs for individuals and businesses.
Earlier this week, the cabinet confirmed that a price cap on energy will come into effect on January 1, 2023. The discount aims to further support families and small entrepreneurs during the last months of this year.
Many categories will receive the discount, DHVN reports. Households, self-employed professionals, shops, associations, small social organizations and some small businesses are eligible. The government classifies these categories as “small consumers”. They are the same subjects that will benefit from the price cap.
The fixed discount is settled through the energy suppliers in the form of a discount on the energy bills or compensation via bank transfer.
The government’s plan does not fully cover what happens if the amount due is lower than the discount. DVHN describes two scenarios: a fully-compensated (€0) bill; or the excess discount passed on to the annual statement, resulting in a possible refund. The second option seems “more likely”, as the government wants to prevent energy companies from earning money from a measure that is intended to help households.
In addition to the price cap and the fixed discount, the cabinet is also working on measures to support energy-intensive businesses and shops. A compensation scheme should come into effect on April 1, 2023, and will have a retroactive effect from November 1, 2022.
