Changing electricity or gas suppliers can sometimes save you hundreds of euros. Moreover, the process is quick and free, without incurring any costs! So why are you waiting?
Staying with the same supplier for years with the same contract is rarely beneficial for the consumer. On one hand, because this immobility deprives them of interesting offers and possible decreases in the price of electricity or gas. On the other hand, if they automatically renew their supplier at maturity, they could end up with a dormant contract that is much more expensive than the market average.
These consequences are all the more regrettable as it is possible to participate in the competition in just a few minutes, as shown by how our energy price comparison works.
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Which energy supplier is best for you? Compare to find out! I compare now Changing your utility has never been easier
In Belgium, the electricity and gas market was liberalized in Wallonia and Brussels in 2007 and in Flanders in 2003. As a result, every consumer can choose a different energy supplier if desired.
Some believe that changing gas or electricity suppliers is very complex, that documents must be returned to suppliers, that it must be done in advance, that it costs money… This is obviously not the case! Indeed, the procedures made available to everyone in 2007 were simplified in 2012.
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> No restrictions, no cancellation fees! Change the contract whenever you want!
Today, citizens are free to change their energy supplier at any time. So you don’t have to wait until the end of your current contract to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. On the contrary, all options are good! For example, use your intention to combine gas and electricity with a single supplier or review your energy contracts. Similarly, if you own a house that will soon be unoccupied. In fact, some suppliers offer a “contract for an empty house.”
This freedom to change suppliers whenever you want implies an important fact: there are no cancellation fees. Whether you have subscribed to a one-year or three-year contract, it is your strictest right if you wish to modify your contract before its end. Therefore, suppliers cannot require you to pay a termination fee. Please note, however, that your cancellation is one month, subject to the deadline before it takes effect.
> No administrative paperwork
Moreover, consumers are no longer required to take administrative steps. In fact, it is the new supplier who will take care of everything. You will contact your previous supplier to terminate your old contract and start the new one. The only thing you need to do is communicate your meter readings when the old contract is officially concluded.
In other words, canceling your energy contract is child’s play.
However, before becoming a customer of another utility, you must compare electricity and/or gas prices! Only in this way are savings guaranteed.
Compare energy costs now and reduce your bill! Thanks to our comparator, an average of 225 euros has been saved. Find out how much you can save. I compare and save Free comparator When is the best time to change energy supplier in Belgium?
As a general rule, it is advisable to review your energy prices once a year, as this is the usual duration of promotions. By adhering to this regularity, you will always benefit from the best prices. If you find that your prices are no longer as attractive as before, you can quickly correct the record by changing the tariff form or even the supplier.
>> Read also: Energy price comparison: when should it be done?
Furthermore, moving also offers great opportunities to change suppliers. A new home is often associated with new needs, and it is therefore necessary to reassess your energy contracts.
>> Read also: I’m moving: how can I manage my electricity and gas contract?
If we announce a significant drop in energy prices in the press, you may want to check the prices of the month. Who knows if you could take advantage of a unique opportunity, as was the case during the first lockdown of the coronavirus crisis!
Discover special offers from suppliers on Comparateur-energie.be! I compare for free I see an average saving of 225€ How can I change my electricity and gas supplier in 7 steps?
What actually happens after concluding an energy comparison contract online? What happens to the data entered by the consumer? Comparateur energy will review step by step the actions taken by the various players in the energy sector as soon as a consumer changes their electricity or gas supplier. These changes are also valid if the modification is made via an online comparator.
- Request for a contract via an online form or by phone
- Confirmation of receipt of the request
- Verification of data by the supplier and receipt of the contractual document
- by the DSO
- Start of delivery by the new supplier
- Receipt of the first payment invoice
- from the previous suppliers
Compare energy costs now and reduce your bill! Thanks to our comparator, an average of 225 euros has been saved. Find out how much you can save. I compare and save Free comparator 1. Request a contract via an online form or by phone
Subscribing to an electricity supply is of paramount importance in several situations (for example, when opening an existing electricity meter). To do this, it is necessary to fill out an online form with your details or contact customer service of the desired supplier.
The choice of your new supplier is possible with or without the help of one of our consultants, who can be reached at 0800 37 369 or by email at [email protected].
Good to know: Some suppliers will charge the full annual fees once your contract is renewed for a new year. We therefore recommend that you request a modification of the energy contract at least one month before the renewal of the old contract. I call a consultant. Free and without obligation contract. If you do not know the expiration date of your contract, feel free to contact us. One of our collaborators will gladly assist you.
2. Confirmation of receipt of the request
- Go to Comparateur-energie.be: Once the form is correctly filled out, you will receive a confirmation email with all your details. These will then be sent to a supplier of your choice. If the information seems incorrect, please contact us by phone at 0800 37 369 or by email at [email protected].
- Without the help of a price comparison: If you subscribe directly to the supplier in question, the supplier will also confirm the receipt of your request.
3. Verification of data by the new supplier and receipt of the contract
The selected electricity or gas utility will receive your data and verify it to ensure there are no errors.
It will then send you an email or message confirming that your request to change your electricity or gas supplier is being processed.
After that, you will receive the contract in good and proper form, including:
- the general terms and conditions,
- the rate of electricity and gas usage
- and the start date of your new contract.
For your information, you have a legal period of 14 days to cancel your new contract for free. Please note that generally, cancellation must be done by registered mail.
4. Meter readings by the DSO
After the expiration of the legal period of 14 calendar days following your request, this request is considered accepted. The new supplier will then inform your distribution system operator (DSO) of the change. Consequently, it will initiate your termination with your old supplier.
Once this is done, your DSO will send you a request for meter reading(s). There are several ways to set your readings (see the card you received in your mailbox). The most common options are by mail, phone, or via the Internet. In some cases, it is also possible for an agent to be sent to your home to take a look at your electricity and/or gas meter.
Good to know: In case of overload within your DSO, you may not receive the request for readings in time. In this case, the supplier will make an estimate of your electricity and/or gas consumption to create your billing. You can always proactively transfer your readings or request a correction of the estimated readings by reporting your actual readings.
5. Start of delivery by a new energy supplier
The start of delivery takes place at least 30 calendar days after your request. This period may vary depending on the selected supplier. You can also choose a delayed delivery date. The maximum activation date depends on the supplier and the type of contract selected. Contact us for more information.
6. Receipt of the first deposit invoice
Depending on the options chosen when setting up your new energy contract (electronic or paper invoice and payment by direct debit or bank transfer), you may or may not receive your first deposit invoice. This will generally reach you 15 days after the start of the service.
If you wish to change the options (billing method, payment method, payment date, or deposit amount), you can contact your new supplier to make the necessary adjustments. Most suppliers now offer an online interface that allows you to make all changes yourself (customer space “online”).
7. Final bill from the old supplier
Following your change, you will receive a final billing invoice from your old supplier, also called a settlement invoice. This will include the payments already made and the consumption recorded since your last billing. You will either receive a credit in your favor or an invitation to pay the balance. The deadline for receiving this invoice is generally four weeks after the meter readings are taken.
This is the final step in changing your utility. All you need to do now is enjoy your new price and all the promotions you received from our comparator.
Change your supplier in 5 minutes with Comparateur-energie.be
As you have seen, changing your utility is not a hassle. Just do a quick comparison and choose the energy contract that suits you best. This step takes only 5 to 10 minutes via Comparateur-energie.be!
Once you have confirmed your selection, all you have to do is wait for the prompt to enter your readings. You are completely relieved of other administrative procedures.
So what are you waiting for to change your contract and save on your electricity bill?
>> Discover special offers from suppliers on Comparateur-energie.be! I compare for free I see an average saving of 225€ Read also: 5 tips for a cheaper gas or electricity contract
Sources
- Ores website