Andrea Innocenti The Council of Ministers has approved a new measure called the " Bollette Decree ," aimed at curbing the surge in energy costs that has weighed on households and businesses in recent months. After a brief meeting lasting about forty minutes, the government approved a series of urgent measures, most notably the introduction of a price cap on natural gas used in thermoelectric generation.
The stated goal of Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, is to guarantee, starting in January, an average reduction of approximately 15 euros per megawatt-hour (€/MWh) for families and small and medium-sized businesses. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that these are "significant benefits, but time is needed" to see concrete effects on the national production system.
The gas cap mechanism and refunds
The measure establishes a maximum price of €58,9/MWh for gas used in electricity generation. When the gas market reference price (TTF) exceeds this threshold, the difference is reimbursed in part to thermoelectric producers and in part to customers with variable-price contracts.
The reimbursement is limited to €15/MWh , although the actual value will depend on the technical simulations carried out by the Energy Market Manager ( GME ) and verified by ARERA.
Calculating average savings
At the time of writing, the price of natural gas at the TTF was around €90/MWh . The difference compared to the fixed cap amounts to approximately €31/MWh; however, the maximum reimbursement of €15/MWh translates this difference into a reduction in the final cost of approximately €15 per megawatt-hour for end users. The benefit is more significant for users with indexed tariffs, while customers with fixed-price offers prior to the entry into force of the measure do not participate in the mechanism.
The role of ARERA, GME and the European Union
The Energy Markets Manager conducted the simulations necessary to define the mechanism, while ARERA was responsible for determining the actual amount of the reimbursement, respecting the criteria established by EU legislation. The measure is the result of a lengthy discussion with the European Commission , which expressed its approval under the temporary state aid regime established by the Middle East State Aid Framework (METSAF). The agreement with Brussels replaced the previous reimbursement tied to the cost of ETS allowances, making the mechanism more direct and focused on gas prices.
Political reactions and connections with other decrees
In addition to the Bollette decree, the Infrastructure decree was approved at the same session . This decree introduces changes to project financing and increases the Fund for Housing Support for Separated or Divorced Parents, from €20 million to €50 million by 2027, thanks to the €30 million increase provided for in the decree. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini promoted this increase to assist families in difficulty.
In the parliamentary debate, Maurizio Lupi, president of Noi Moderati, criticized Italy's persistent energy dependence and called for an acceleration of the national plan for a nuclear-renewable mix. The prime minister, however, defended the measure, emphasizing that the lower costs of renewables must translate into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses, even if this may dissatisfy those who have obtained high market returns.
The Bollette decree represents the first concrete step towards alleviating the burden of energy bills, but its effectiveness will depend on the implementation of technical simulations, compliance with European constraints, and the institutions' ability to coordinate the various parties involved.