Some categories of subjects will be able to continue to benefit from the benefits of the protected market and discounts on their bills. Why?
The news of the end of the protected market has generated panic among families, worried about a dramatic increase in the prices of electricity and gas bills. Until now, in fact, the contractual rates have been regulated directly by ARERA, which guaranteed protection services and favorable conditions.
From 1 July 2024, however, the situation will change, because these rates can no longer be chosen by everyone, but will remain active exclusively for particular categories of customers. Who does not have a contract with the free market, will automatically switch to the Gradual Protection Service (STG)with a duration of approximately 3 years (from 1 July 2024 to 31 March 2027).
Therefore, by 30 June 2024, users will have to communicate their choice; otherwise, they will remain tied to the same supplier, based on the most convenient free market offer.
The economic conditions imposed by the Gradual Protection Service will be the same throughout Italy, will be communicated in June and are equivalent to those of the offers at Free Price Under Equal Protection Conditions (so-called PLACET). The invoice will therefore be bimonthly and no guarantee will be required from the customer who chooses to pay by direct debit, postal order or credit card.
For those who opt for other payment methods, however, a security deposit of 11.5 euros for each kW of power will be charged on the first bill.
But, as we anticipated, some users will be able to continue to benefit from the effects of the protected market. For what reason? Let’s find out.
How to stay in the protected market? Fill out the form now
After July, the benefits of the protected market will apply to these categories of customers:
- subjects over 75;
- people in a clear situation of economic disadvantage;
- seriously ill people, who are forced to use medical equipment powered by electricity;
- severely disabled people, pursuant to art. 3 of Law no. 104/1992;
- people experiencing hardship following calamitous events;
- subjects who live on a non-interconnected minor Italian island.
These are those who are defined as “vulnerable domestic customers“, for which there will be no changes. Even after 1 July 2024, therefore, they will continue to enjoy the same conditions offered by the enhanced protection service.
The suppliers will communicate, on the bills issued between April and June 2024, all the information relating to the free market and the requirements that vulnerable subjects must meet to remain in the protected market.
In order to demonstrate these conditions, a specific self-certification must be completed, certifying possession of all the required requirements. The Form (completed and signed) must then be sent to the supplier.
