In total, the support package will amount to 2.5 to 3 billion euros. The exact terms have not yet been determined. According to the sources, the government is still talking about it.
Cabinet has been working on a support package for SMEs for weeks. Quite a few companies faced financial difficulties due to the sharp rise in energy costs.
According to the plan now put forward, some small and medium-sized enterprises are classified as energy-intensive. Only if energy costs amount to at least 12.5 percent of sales volume will the company be eligible for compensation.
Because of rising energy prices, the Cabinet has already met with Dutch families. From January 1, they will pay a maximum of 0.40 euros per kilowatt-hour of electricity and 1.45 euros per cubic meter of gas. In addition, there will be a flat discount of 190 euros per month for the months of November and December.
The same maximum energy prices apply to the self-employed, shop owners, associations and some small and medium businesses.