Susanna Riva The Council of Ministers has approved the so-called Bollette bis decree , a measure introducing a price cap on natural gas used in thermoelectric generation. The cap is set at €58,9/MWh and will enter into force on January 1, 2027 , with a maximum duration of 18 months. The stated goal is to reduce the average cost of electricity by approximately €15/MWh , a benefit that should benefit both families and businesses.
How the gas price cap mechanism works
The price cap is not applied directly to customers' bills, but affects the wholesale purchase price of gas by generation plants. When the market price exceeds the limit of €58,9/MWh, the difference is offset through a reimbursement mechanism managed by the Energy Markets Manager ( GME ).
The discounted portion thus generated is then divided, in part, between producers and, in part, between users with variable-price contracts, through the service charges shown on the bill.
Compensation procedure and role of authorities
The reimbursement is the result of a series of technical simulations conducted by GME, in close collaboration with ARERA ( Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment ) and the European Commission.
The simulations were designed to demonstrate that the cap would not distort the internal market, preventing energy prices in Italy from falling below those in neighboring countries, a scenario that would potentially undermine competition rules.
The institutional actors behind the provision
The Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin , presented the measure as the result of extensive discussions with the European Commission and joint work with ARERA and GME . According to the minister, the measure is a "first concrete step in support of our country's economic system, consumers, and the productive fabric." Institutional coordination has overcome objections raised by both the European Commission—concerned about potential competitive distortions—and the State General Accounting Office, which had highlighted a potential misalignment of public finances regarding the management of proceeds from the sale of stored gas in 2022.
Resolution of European and national concerns
Brussels' concerns were allayed by demonstrating that the cap will not impact the competitiveness of neighboring countries. At the same time, the Treasury accepted that the revenues from the sale of stored gas in 2022, earmarked for ARERA to reduce the bills of energy-intensive companies in 2027, be managed in a manner compatible with the public budget.
Real impact on home and business bills
Estimates from the Ecco think tank indicate that, for an average family, annual savings will be around 17 euros , or approximately 1,4 euros per month . This figure is lower than initial expectations and almost offset by energy price increases, which have exceeded 30 euros per month since last February. Furthermore, the benefit will be more evident for customers with variable-price contracts, as fixed rates have seen smaller increases in recent months.
Criticisms and concerns from stakeholders
The co-leader of Assoventi called the price cap a "mockery," arguing that the measure doesn't reduce the cost of gas, but simply shifts the share to consumers with variable contracts, leaving the spending of large electricity companies unchanged. Other observers point out that the cap will only go into effect in 2027, leaving families without protection during the current winter.