The Council of Ministers approved a decree introducing urgent provisions to reduce the cost of electricity and gas.
The objective, according to the Council of Ministers' statement, is to strengthen the effectiveness of energy cost containment measures for the benefit of end customers , in line with the European framework for state aid and wholesale market supervision. "For electricity, the decree modifies the two reimbursement mechanisms already in place for gas-fired thermoelectric plants, which reduce fuel costs and whose effects are reflected, through more competitive offers on the wholesale market, in end customers' bills."
According to the press release, "Starting January 1, 2027, additional components of the natural gas transmission tariff will be included among the charges reimbursed to thermoelectric plants powered by natural gas or gas derivatives. The reimbursement is covered by components applied to electricity withdrawals. The second mechanism provides for an additional reimbursement to thermoelectric producers, in an amount defined by ARERA, which the decree limits to a period not exceeding eighteen months."
The Government estimates that, for consumption in 2027, this mechanism will generate savings on electricity bills: the estimates are approximately €280 for a typical small artisan business, with annual consumption of 40 megawatt hours; approximately €210,000 for a large food company, with annual consumption of 30,000 megawatt hours; and approximately €520,000 for an energy-intensive business with a significant share of self-generation and annual consumption of 40,000 megawatt hours.
