Rome, 18 June 2024 – Energy and protected services: from July 1st everything changes but not for the vulnerable. Who I am? And what does the law provide for them?
Here are the answers Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union.
Who can remain in the protected energy market
Electricity bills: what happens from July 1st
It is now known: the enhanced protection service ends on 30 June. But not for the vulnerable. Who will be able to continue to be served by this Service, without prejudice to the possibility of choosing – without deadlines – the free market.
Who are the vulnerable customers?
But who are the vulnerable customers in the case of electricity? Here is President Dona’s list:
- must be at least 75 years old
- or having electricity in an emergency housing facility following disasters
- have a user on the smaller non-interconnected islands, such as Ustica or Lampedusa
- be included among persons with disabilities pursuant to law 104, article 3
- use life-saving equipment powered by electricity
- be in disadvantaged economic conditions or be recipients of the energy bonus, with an ISEE threshold not exceeding 9,530 euros or 20 thousand, for at least 4 dependent children.
Is vulnerability recognition automatic?
But it is not certain, Dona warns, that the ‘state’ is vulnerable is recognized automatically. For this reason, it is the advice of the president of the National Consumers Union, it is a good idea to consult the Arera website and, if necessary, fill out the appropriate form.
Vulnerable, what changes for electricity bills
But therefore in concrete terms What changes from July 1st for vulnerable customers? “If they are already on the free market they can remain under that contract – is the expert’s response -. While the request to enter the Enhanced Protection Service has no expiry date.”
