Belgian energy companies decline supply to needy tenants at social tariffs rate

BRUSSELS (AA) - About 3,000 vulnerable families in the Belgian province of Hainaut may soon face higher energy bills as companies have declined to provide service at the “social energy rate,” media reports said Tuesday.

Four public sector housing companies in the province warned that tenants may not be able to enjoy the social tariff for energy in a few weeks due to a lack of suppliers.

"No supplier has submitted a bid. It seems they don't want to supply energy at this rate. However, our tenants in these buildings are entitled to the social tariff," the companies said in a statement.

The housing companies whose gas and electricity supply contracts with energy suppliers expire Dec. 31 are currently looking for an energy supplier.

The companies fear a "multiplier effect" on the increase in energy costs for tenants and on ancillary costs that could exceed rent.

The supervisory authorities, the Association of Walloon Cities and Municipalities and relevant regional and federal ministers were informed about the unusual situation, according to the companies.