The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) decided to take measures against energy companies that cancel energy contracts with customers that do not agree with increasing their agreed-upon fixed energy rates since this kind of behavior is prohibited. In addition, terminating the supply of energy during winter is also not allowed.
A report already showed that several companies were cancelling their contracts when a consumer did not accept their fixed rates increase and that one of them planned to terminate the supply of energy to consumers that have not agreed to the increase. As a measure, the ACM forces that company to provide natural gas and electricity to consumer at the agreed fixed rate. If the company fails to do so, it will have to pay a penalty of 15,000 per week and up to a maximum of 45,000 euros.
The ACM will continue to check if energy companies are unilaterally cancelling contracts with customers.
(Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) – 22.10.2021)
NAZALI TAX & LEGAL