High demand for the much-discussed subsidy for energy-efficient household appliances in Flanders – the so-called "fridge premium" – has spurred the watchdog to call for a temporary halt of the "ill-considered" measure.
The new Flemish Government has expanded the 'Discount Coupon' programme. This entitles around one third of households to a coupon of up to €250 for energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines or freezers with a certain energy label. The system was highly popular but also abused, as households could apply for multiple coupons.
The minister then tightened the conditions at the beginning of February, and it now excludes dryers. However, demand is still surpassing what the budget had included. The government web page for this premium still notes that, "due to the large number of requests, the delivery time (via post and email) of My Discount Coupon is taking longer than expected."
'Ill-considered policy'
In the first two weeks of this year, the subsidy had already been applied for 44,000 times. A new estimate by De Tijd based on the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) showed that in the entire year, around 72,000 households will be using the "fridge premium" taking into account the stricter conditions.
This is more than four times the €4 million budgeted for the measure for this year (the equivalent of 16,000 coupons), good for €18 million. The voucher will also remain popular in the coming years, according to VEKA. The agency expects 62,000 premiums to be requested in 2026 (€15.5 million) and 32,000 in 2027 (€8 million).
Energy Minister Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit) says that everyone who is entitled to one will be able to exchange their voucher. She also said the success of the discount voucher is "a good thing", as it allows the government to lower their energy bills.
Depraetere also said the additional money needed for the high demand is "provided for in the budget."
However, the watchdog of the energy sector in Flanders – formerly the VREG – is less keen on the premium, calling it an "ill-considered policy" in a recent report. It has called for a cost-benefit analysis and the overhauling of the system "to create space for a more extensive analysis of the necessary adjustments."
