Grid operator for electricity and natural gas, Fluvius, received 4,698 complaints about the installation of digital meters in Flanders this year. This marks a new record and almost double the figure recorded in 2022.
Traditional electricity meters turning backwards will soon be a thing of the past in Flanders. Fluvius is currently installing digital meters, including for customers with solar panels who still have analogue meters. The goal is to have the last 400,000 homes, apartments, and small businesses with solar panels equipped with digital meters by 2025.
However, these installations have not been without issues. Fluvius received almost 4,700 complaints this year, significantly more than in previous years. This is a significant increase from the 2,689 complaints in 2022 and 3,766 in 2021, data requested by CD&V MP Peter Van Rompuy showed.
In 2022, complaints were received about 0.3% of installed meters, in 2021, about 0.4%, and this year about 0.5%.
Of the 4,698 complaints, 707 have already been forwarded to the responsible contractors for further follow-up.
"Last year, approximately 921,220 digital meters were installed. Therefore, it is certainly possible for problems to occur," said Van Rompuy.
However, the CD&V member stressed the importance of minimising the number of complaints. "Proper training and monitoring of installers, as well as thorough quality control, are essential. If problems do occur, proper follow-up is necessary," Van Rompuy emphasised.
