There have not been any "meters that run backwards" since November 2021, but in reality, this concept never really existed in Brussels. Energy producers have always used electronic meters that don't run "backwards" but record both the consumption and injection of electricity.
End of the compensation principle
Previously, for generating installations of up to 5 kVA, your energy bill was drawn up by deducting the amount of electricity fed into the grid from the amount of energy withdrawn.
This is what was known as the compensation principle. Your excess production fed into the grid was "virtually" deducted from what you take from the grid. This method has now been replaced by a more uniform approach.
Equality at the heart of the new system
From now on, whether or not you have solar panels, all consumers will contribute fairly to the costs of the network.
- You will pay the energy costs on all the electricity you take from the grid, regardless of the electricity you inject.
- You will pay the network costs - transport and distribution costs - on all the electricity you take from the grid, regardless of the electricity you inject.
- Your supplier can buy back the electricity you feed into the grid from you.
More responsible energy consumption
This modernised system also encourages more sustainable practices when it comes to energy production. Rather than selling the electricity you produce back to the supplier, it is more advantageous to opt for self-consumption. By adjusting your consumption, you'll not only reduce your electricity bill, but you'll also be actively contributing to the energy transition.