The Energy Disputes Committee — how does a complaint work and what does it cost?
€52.50 fee, binding ruling, processing ~4-6 months. Consumer success rate is high. We explain procedure and strategy.
The Energy Disputes Committee (GCE) is part of the Dutch consumer-disputes foundation. Requirements to file: (a) you complained in writing to your supplier first; (b) the supplier did not respond within 6 weeks or was unsatisfactory; (c) the complaint is < 1 year old; (d) the supplier is affiliated (the big 4: Eneco/Vattenfall/Essent/Greenchoice; many small ones too). Costs: €52.50 consumers, €185 SMEs. Procedure: written phase + sometimes a hearing. The ruling is binding on both parties. Consumer success rate is around 50-60% on well-substantiated complaints. Pro tip: attach all correspondence, photos and invoices; cite specific legal articles.