For those who may not yet be aware, from January 1, 2007, the gas and electricity market will be deregulated. New suppliers are turning up, giving customers the possibility of choosing the formula that they consider to be the most advantageous.
This change of supplier could be made as from November 1. You can enter into a contract with a new supplier in the course of this month, and it will begin on January 1. If you sign your contract in December 2006 or January 2007, it will only take effect on March 1, 2007. Contracts entered into thereafter will take effect at least one month after the signature date.Contrary to certain generally accepted beliefs, no fine will be imposed if you don't change your supplier. In this case, a supplier by default (Electrabel Customer Solutions) will be automatically designated and you will remain supplied by this supplier for as long as you don't choose any another or you don't move.
As ideally you should compare the offers of the various suppliers before deciding, it is important that you check certain criteria. The price can be fixed or variable according to the market energy prices, and the contract period can also vary from one supplier to another, as can the customer service. Stéphanie Guillaume
