- 28.03.2024
- Kurt Deman
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2 minutes
The sharp drop in energy prices is causing an almost unprecedented number of energy switches. More than 15,000 families already switched to a cheaper energy contract in March. Since natural gas prices are now more than 18% higher than the bottom level at the end of February, there is a very real chance that the downward price curve will come to an end on April 1.
In March, fixed electricity prices fell again on average by 12.90 percent. For natural gas this concerns a price decrease of 11.03 percent. In absolute figures, this means 63.74 euros less for electricity and 99.85 euros less for gas for the annual contract of an average family. Anyone who took out a fixed energy contract last year now pays up to 800 euros more than current market prices.
Price bottom reached
Energy regulator CREG previously indicated to VRT NWS that we may have gradually reached the price floor. “I now expect a stabilization and then perhaps a slight increase next month. But that will have to wait and see next month, of course,” says Kurt Hernot of the CREG. Now that the price on the leading TTF natural gas exchange rose from more than 23 euros per megawatt hour to more than 27 euros per megawatt hour (or +18%), a further sharp drop in consumer prices does not appear to be imminent.
Many consumers have therefore already chosen this month to lock in the lower fixed rates or to exchange their expensive fixed rate for a variable rate. It has been since September 2022 – when there was a full energy crisis – that so many families switched to a different and cheaper energy contract via Mijnenergie.be.
Security
Anyone who wants to enjoy the current low energy prices with 100% certainty can do so until March 31 at the March rates. On April 1, suppliers will announce their new prices, but it remains to be seen whether they will increase to a limited extent.
So compare the different energy rates today and immediately conclude a new contract at lower prices!
