Dutch and Belgian regulators tighten oversight over energy billing and debt collection

Belgian Federal Ombudsman for Energy, in its 2025 annual report, notes that electricity and gas suppliers increasingly appoint collection agencies for late payments. The report highlights rising complaints about payment plans and the costs of collection, and it points to ongoing difficulties related to moving homes and unsolicited supplier switches.

In the Netherlands, the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) announced stricter supervision of ANWB Energie due to persistent issues with its automation system. The problems have prevented timely sending of end- and year-end bills for months, prompting numerous questions and complaints. The ACM requires ANWB Energie to provide weekly updates on the steps being taken to resolve the issues.

Together, the actions in Belgium and the Netherlands underscore ongoing consumer-billing challenges in European energy markets and the regulators’ efforts to safeguard customers across these countries.