Italy’s New Energy Decree: Bill Relief & Bonus Updates 2024/2025
- Concerns over rising energy costs are prompting the Italian government to finalize a new Energy Decree aimed at mitigating the impact of high bills on both families and...
- The decree, expected to be reviewed by the Council of Ministers, introduces new support mechanisms and strengthens existing bonus bollette (bill bonus) systems, providing direct contributions to low-income...
- One of the most immediate measures concerns those already eligible for the social electricity bonus.
Italy Announces New Energy Decree to Ease Burden on Families and Businesses
Concerns over rising energy costs are prompting the Italian government to finalize a new Energy Decree aimed at mitigating the impact of high bills on both families and businesses. The package of measures focuses on containing the price of gas and electricity, offering relief to consumers and supporting energy-intensive industries.
The decree, expected to be reviewed by the Council of Ministers, introduces new support mechanisms and strengthens existing bonus bollette (bill bonus) systems, providing direct contributions to low-income households and expanding eligibility to a wider range of families with moderate incomes.
90 Euro Boost for Social Bonus Recipients
One of the most immediate measures concerns those already eligible for the social electricity bonus. For 2026, a one-time contribution of 90 euros will be applied to the energy component of electricity bills. A total of 315 million euros has been allocated for this purpose, with ARERA, the Italian regulatory authority for energy, responsible for defining the operational details and timelines.
This contribution is in addition to the standard social bonus, which is automatically applied to eligible customers’ bills.
Expanded Support for Households with ISEEs Up to 25,000 Euros
A key innovation within the decree is the broadening of eligibility for assistance. For 2026 and 2027, energy vendors will be able to offer an extraordinary contribution to domestic customers with an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) of up to 25,000 euros, provided they are not already receiving the social bonus.
This contribution will take the form of a discount equivalent to the “Energy Price” component applied to consumption during the first two months of the year. Certain conditions apply:
- Consumption during the two-month period must not exceed 0.5 MWh
- Annual consumption over the preceding 12 months must be less than 3 MWh
The aim is to assist households with typical domestic energy usage, preventing increases in gas and electricity prices from disproportionately affecting their budgets.
Addressing Gas Prices and Market Stability
The decree also addresses the price of gas, a significant concern in recent years. It introduces a mechanism for gas auctions, averaging the price between the TTF (the main European index) and the Italian market, to reduce price volatility. The decree proposes the sale of some of the gas reserves accumulated during previous emergencies, with the resulting revenue earmarked to reduce certain system charges.
While primarily targeted at energy-intensive businesses, these measures could indirectly benefit families by contributing to market stabilization and preventing further price spikes.
Why the Energy Decree Matters for Homeowners
The new decree isn’t merely a technical adjustment; it directly impacts daily life. The price of gas and electricity influences various household expenses, from heating and hot water to appliances and air conditioning.
The decree provides immediate support, but it’s not a long-term solution. To truly reduce the impact of gas prices, it’s crucial to improve the energy efficiency of homes: insulation, modern systems, heat pumps and photovoltaic installations.
Reducing energy consumption lessens exposure to market fluctuations.
According to the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton report from March 1, 2024, the Energy Decree, approved December 9, 2023, and converted into Law No. 11 of February 2, 2024, also includes measures to accelerate investments in self-production of renewable energy by energy-intensive companies, through new or repowered photovoltaic, wind, and hydroelectric plants with a minimum capacity of 200 kW.
Want to reduce your electricity and gas bill? Find out how much installing a photovoltaic system could cost. On PagineGialle Casa, you can contact experts in photovoltaics in your area: simply fill out the form and receive up to 5 free, personalized quotes by email, allowing you to evaluate the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who will receive the 90 euro extraordinary contribution in 2026?
The contribution is intended for holders of the social electricity bonus and will be recognized as a discount on the energy component, according to the procedures established by ARERA.
- Will families with an ISEE of up to 25,000 euros receive a discount on their bill?
Yes, for 2026 and 2027, an extraordinary contribution is planned for those who do not have the social bonus but have an ISEE of no more than 25,000 euros, applied to consumption in the first two months.
- Does the energy decree directly reduce the price of gas?
The decree introduces mechanisms to contain gas price volatility and uses the proceeds from the sale of stored gas to reduce certain charges, with indirect effects also on household bills.