As a high-voltage customer in Brussels, part of your electricity bill corresponds to the PSO levy. This regional contribution is calculated based on the power level you declare to Sibelga each year.
A well-calibrated declaration can significantly reduce this charge. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to make the right choice.
Key takeaways
- The PSO levy is based on the power (kVA) you declare each year
- Declare before 30 June: your declaration takes effect from January of the following year
- Exceeding your declared power triggers a 20% surcharge
- 2026 rate: €1.17/kVA/month (excl. VAT - indexed annually)
Do not confuse: the PSO levy (article 26) is distinct from the “public service obligation tariff” applied at distribution cost level. Learn more about tariffs
How is the PSO levy calculated?
Your high-voltage connection is sized for a certain capacity: this is your contractual power. It determines the maximum you can draw from the grid.
However, for PSO levy purposes, it is your declared power that counts — and this can be lower than your contractual power. If your actual consumption is well below your contractual power, you have every interest in declaring a value closer to your real peak.
The calculation is straightforward: declared power (kVA) × €1.17 per month (2026 rate - excl. VAT).
| Declared power | Monthly levy | Annual levy |
|---|---|---|
| 100 kVA | 117 € | 1 404 € |
| 250 kVA | 293 € | 3 510 € |
| 500 kVA | 585 € | 7 020 € |
| 1 000 kVA | 1 170 € | 14 040 € |
The higher your declaration, the more you pay — but a declaration that is too low triggers surcharges if exceeded. The best choice is a declaration slightly above your actual peak consumption.
What impact does your declaration have on your bill?
The example below illustrates three declaration strategies for the same consumption profile — and their financial impact over a full year.
- In green → Declaration of 100 kVA
The client exceeds 5 out of 12 months, but the total cost remains the lowest. Annual cost: €1,717. - In blue → Declaration of 205 kVA
slightly above the annual peak, no exceedance. Annual cost: €2,638. - In purple → No declaration
The levy is calculated on contractual power (400 kVA). Annual cost: €5,148
The best choice depends on your profile. Your account manager can assist you with this analysis.
How to submit your declaration
- Log in to the My Sibelga portal (PSO section)
- Check your maximum apparent power (kVA) over the last 36 months
- Choose a realistic power level to avoid exceedances
- Confirm your declaration
⏰ Deadline : 30 June
Any declaration submitted before 30 June of year Y takes effect from January Y+1.
After 30 June? Your declaration will only be effective from year Y+2.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the PSO levy?
The PSO levy (Public Service Obligation) is a regional contribution collected by Sibelga on behalf of the Brussels-Capital Region. It is defined by article 26 of the Electricity Ordinance (19/07/2001).
This levy funds:
- energy premiums
- management of green certificates
- support for protected customers (via CPAS/OCMW)
- operating costs of the Brussels regulator Brugel
This contribution is charged by your energy supplier via your electricity bills. It is fully transferred to the Region.
Who is liable for the PSO levy?
All high-voltage customers located in the Brussels-Capital Region, including those connected to the Elia grid.
Exempt: European institutions and traction access points (STIB, Infrabel).
What happens if I exceed my declared power?
If your monthly consumption peak exceeds your declared power, the levy is recalculated for that month:
Retained power = maximum peak over the last 36 months × 1.2
Example: you declared 500 kVA. Your maximum peak over the last 36 months is 520 kVA.
→ Retained power: 520 × 1.2 = 624 kVA
→ Levy for that month: 624 × €1.17 = €730.08 (instead of €585)
The PSO declaration has no technical impact. It does not affect your circuit breaker settings, the power made available, or the reliability of your connection.
Can I modify my declaration during the year?
In principle, no. Declarations follow an annual cycle (before 30 June for the following year).
Exceptions : a mid-year declaration in case of a
- Structural modification of the connection (power increase, removal of private network)
- New connection
- Change of customer reported by the new supplier
In case of a customer change, Sibelga sends you a link to submit your declaration. You have until the 15th of the month following the contract takeover. Without a declaration, the previous customer’s power is maintained. If there was never a declaration, the contractual power is used.
How can I optimise my declaration?
- Analyse your actual data
A declaration that is too low leads to costly exceedances; too high means paying for unused power - Anticipate changes
New equipment (EV chargers, business expansion) can increase your peak - Coordinate with your electrician and technical teams
- Consult your account manager
He can analyse your profile and suggest the optimal power level
What is the legal framework?
The PSO levy is defined by article 26 of the Ordinance on the electricity market in the Brussels-Capital Region (19/07/2001) and its implementing decrees.
This levy funds the management of various public service obligations, including CPAS/OCMW funding for protected customer support, and the operating costs of the Brussels regulator Brugel.
Contact
As a high-voltage customer, you have a dedicated account manager. He can help you analyse your consumption and optimise your declaration.