Rising energy costs impact households in Belgium and Suriname

Rising energy costs are placing significant financial pressure on households in Belgium and Suriname.

In Belgium, social energy tariffs for electricity and gas are subject to quarterly updates by the CREG (Commission for Electricity and Gas Regulation). These tariffs are designed to assist vulnerable populations, such as those receiving benefits from the OCMW, disability allowances, or federal pensions, as well as tenants of social housing. The social tariff excludes professional customers, second homes, and certain types of public sector pensions.

In Suriname, electricity costs have seen dramatic increases for some consumers. Reports indicate that monthly bills for certain households have nearly doubled in a three-month period, rising from approximately SRD 893 to over SRD 1,703. This trend is linked to a government policy aimed at phasing out general object subsidies for the electricity provider, EBS, in favor of more direct support for specific end-users to move toward cost-covering rates.