There are several ways to become a protected customer. As a protected customer, your contract with your commercial energy supplier will be suspended, but not interrupted. Sibelga will then supply your energy as a social supplier.
The 4 ways to become a protected customer
1. Automatically
Your energy supplier will automatically start the procedures to have you recognised as a protected customer if you meet the following conditions:
- you have received a formal notice from your energy supplier for an amount of
- €150 (for one energy source)
- or €250 (for two energy sources);
- if you are eligible for the social tariff.
This will happen automatically 60 days after the formal notice is sent, unless you notify your energy supplier to the contrary.
2. On your own initiative
You can submit an application to be granted 'protected client' status directly to Sibelga on your own initiative. However, you must fulfil 2 conditions:
- have received a notice of default from your energy supplier ;
- already benefit from
- the social rate
- or be involved in a debt mediation process with an approved debt mediation centre
- or be part of a collective debt settlement
- or to to benefit from an increased allowance (old OMNIO status).
3. Via the OCMW/CPAS (social welfare centre)
If you have receive a notice of default from your energy supplier, you can be recognised as a protected client on the basis of a survey conducted by the OCMW/CPAS. The OCMW/CPAS will inform Sibelga, the social supplier.
4. After a decision from Brugel
If your income is lower than a pre-determined maximum amount (income that takes account of the composition of the family) and if you have received a notice of defaulft from your energy supplier, then once a dossier has been submitted to Brugel, you can be recognised as a ‘protected client'.