Electricity bills set to drop in April

Starting in April Belgian households can expect not only spring weather but cheaper electricity bills as well. It won’t be an April fools joke on the first of next month when electricity consumers will begin paying only 6 percent of VAT instead of the 21 percent that currently finds its way onto the electric bill.

The initiative, which was taken by the federal government to help kick start the economy, will only apply to households in Belgium, not businesses. All companies will continue paying the full 21 perecent. Only electricity will be reduced, other bills, such as gas, will remain the same.

The VAT reduction will be applied automatically so customers will not be required to take any action to receive the savings. 

The change to 6 percent has not been without controversy, as opposition parties have claimed that Prime Minister Di Rupo was only using the measure as a way to garner votes for the upcoming elections.