Belgian and Dutch Governments' Electricity Tax Shift Sparks Safety Concerns

Starting on 1 August 2026 Belgium will implement a three‑layer tax shift that makes electricity cheaper and raises taxes on gas, oil and diesel. The federal program will be followed by a Flemish tax shift in 2028 and an EU emissions‑trading surcharge, with a further VAT rise on fossil fuels planned for 2030. The policy aims to push households toward heat pumps, electric cars and home batteries, but officials warn that a sudden surge in simultaneous electricity demand could strain the grid.

In the Netherlands, the rapid push to replace gas appliances has coincided with a sharp increase in electrical‑panel fires. Reported incidents rose from 106 in 2021 to 176 in 2022, averaging more than three per week, as outdated meter cupboards struggle to handle the higher load from electric heating, charging stations and appliances. Installers and fire services are raising concerns about the safety of the current residential electrical infrastructure.