Support scheme for energy-intensive small businesses completed

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Ministers have put together a series of measures to help small, energy-intensive businesses, such as bakeries and garden stores, meet their energy bills this winter. This includes payments of up to €160,000 per company.

Businesses that spend more than 12.5% ​​of their turnover on energy are eligible for the scheme, which pays more than €1.10 per cubic meter of gas and 35 cents per kWh of electricity to get half of their energy bill reimbursed. The purpose of the threshold is to prevent companies with long-term low-price contracts from benefiting.

Only companies with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million can apply, with a total plan cost of €3.1 billion.

Economy Minister Mickey Adriansen said not all small businesses were in a position to raise prices high enough to cover the additional costs. We can provide some assistance,” the minister said.

The European Commission has to approve the plan first, which is expected to come into force in the second quarter of next year. In the meantime, the tax office has agreed to “make it easier” for financially distressed businesses as well as banks, the minister said.

Tax Minister Marnix van Lai said the government had deliberately chosen a targeted and restrictive ruling. “Governments have to move away from the idea that they are always ready,” he said. “Not everyone will be happy. [with the plan].’