Basilicata remains one of Italy’s least-visited regions, a quiet corner tucked at the country’s southern edge. Covering less than 10,000 square kilometers, it is sparsely populated and far from the economic centers that shape much of the peninsula. Yet the region hosts a notable energy footprint: 116 gas wells, with about 30 actively producing, plus several oil fields. These resources are organized as concessions granted to energy companies for hydrocarbon extraction across a territory spanning 2,555 square kilometers, roughly a quarter of Basilicata. This arrangement has earned the region a distinctive label, often described as the Texas of Italy. (Legambiente)
Deposits were found in the 1980s in the corridor between Matera and Potenza and began yielding in the early 1990s. The Tempa Rossa project, developed by a consortium that includes Total of France, Shell of the United Kingdom, and Mitsui of Japan, has driven substantial output. The operation delivers about 230,000 cubic meters of commercial gas daily, around 50,000 barrels of oil per day, and some 240 tons of liquefied petroleum gas each day. Over time, control expanded to about 61 percent of the project, with average production near 104,000 barrels per day. (Industry reports)
In an unexpected pivot amid a persistent energy crunch, Basilicata’s regional government secured a gas supply agreement with Eni and Total that includes compensation for environmental damage. The program furnishes approximately 200 million cubic meters of gas annually. The practical effect is meaningful: roughly 110,000 regional households would stop paying for gas consumption and could see average annual savings around 350 euros on home energy bills while ongoing service costs, such as maintenance, remain covered. (Public policy briefing)
Excluded companies
Residence and citizenship in Basilicata are prerequisites for receiving assistance under the program, and households that heat with alternatives such as pellet stoves or fireplaces are not included. Still, regional authorities have allocated funds to promote a transition toward renewable energy sources. (Regional government statement)
The announcement by Regional President Vito Bardi quickly dominated local news. Since the initiative was unveiled in late October, roughly 100,000 residents have applied for support, and officials indicate that aid could continue into the next year and beyond—potentially stretching to nine years, according to Bardi. Some associations have raised concerns, while others have begun receiving discounted bills; worry remains that the program could prompt higher consumption as households seek to trim costs. (Local press coverage)
Nicola Valluzzi, mayor of Castellozzano in the Potenza province, described the measure as a necessary response to elevated gas prices and rising regional poverty. He suggested greater benefits for the most vulnerable families and wondered whether excluding businesses is the right approach. He also noted that several local merchants have shuttered due to the energy crisis, a sentiment echoed by many in the community. (Interviews with municipal leaders)
Environmental concerns
The initiative has drawn criticism from environmental groups. Legambiente, a leading Italian organization, points out that a significant amount of gas, ranging from 4 to 36 million cubic meters annually, is vented directly into the atmosphere in Basilicata. The paradox is evident: the region is a major hydrocarbon producer while many residents rely on fossil fuels for everyday needs. (Legambiente report)
Past contamination issues linger in public memory. There have been court cases tied to illegal waste transport and environmental disasters. In 2017, an incident led to a spill of 400 tons of oil, contaminating about 26,000 square meters of soil. Legambiente frames these concerns as part of the broader debate over energy development and public health in the region. (Environmental records)