Electrabel said that the sharp rise in prices of energy products on the international markets in recent years has led to a significant increase in the costs involved in supplying natural gas. The company has, therefore, decided to pass this rise on to all of its domestic and business customers.
The power price rises, meanwhile, have been blamed on the effects of the deregulation of the non-residential electricity market.
Following a transition period, the prices for businesses will be adapted from September 1, 2007 and will be based on the prices applied on the wholesale markets as a result of the deregulation of the energy markets.
The new prices for natural gas and electricity will apply from September 1, 2007. For customers with current contracts, Electrabel said that it will honor the commitments it has made and not change the price before the contract expires. The changes will instead take effect on the anniversary of the contract.
All customers affected by the changes in gas and electricity prices will be notified individually in writing two months before the due date, the company added.
