The cabinet approved a contingency plan aimed at reducing gas consumption by between 5.1 and 13.5 percent in response to the energy crisis tied to the war in Ukraine. The plan comprises 73 measures, with a focus on the ten most impactful steps.
vulnerable consumers
The government pledges to strengthen the electric social bonus and the thermal bonus, though the specifics are not yet defined. The electric social bonus would deliver a 60 to 70 percent discount on electricity bills, while the thermal bonus would rely on a state budget payment to assist with winter heating. In 2023, the budget included 259 million items for these supports, an increase of 102 million from the prior year.
common boilers
Part of the plan is to cap the price of natural gas for neighborhood groups that operate common boilers. The objective is to ensure these users enjoy a level of protection comparable to one year of the regulated gas tariff. About 1.6 million installations of this type, often referred to as central heating, exist across the country.
administrations and large companies
Autonomous communities and local authorities are expected to publish their savings plans by December 1. A new initiative will offer interest free loans to replace older outdoor lighting systems with more efficient options, covering 100 percent of the replacement cost, such as adding LED lighting. Large companies are invited to craft their own savings plans based on energy audits they have to submit since 2016.
self consumption
The existing minimum distance rule for solar panels from producer communities will be extended beyond the current 500 meters, with the exact distance to be determined. In addition to support for installing solar panels, total funding for this program has been increased to 500 million, adding to the existing 900 million allocation.
invoice more transparent and with recommendations
New electricity and gas bills for households and small to medium sized enterprises will include a neighborhood comparison of average consumption by zip code and offer savings tips. Tips might encourage using solar heating or reducing irradiation in summer, and guidance on appliance use for savings. In addition, the Iberian mechanism will be clarified in documentation to prevent confusion between customers in the free and regulated markets.
tax returns
Financial incentives are planned to promote replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Specific measures are being discussed with the Treasury, according to sources from the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
ics for SMEs
The Official Credit Institute will create a green kit to finance energy efficiency and renewable projects for small and medium sized enterprises.
value chain
Efforts to accelerate the renewable energy value chain will receive a larger financial allocation through the Perte program for the Recovery and Economic Transformation of Renewables and Hydrogen. An additional provision of 1 billion euros, known as Perte Hera, will be added to the 3.5 billion euros already designated.
electrical planning
Adjustments to the electricity planning framework for 2021 to 2026 will make short term strategic projects viable. Beginning in 2023, work will start on a new planning horizon for 2024 to 2029, with no wait for the current plan to expire.
solidarity with the EU
Logistics capacity will be expanded with ships capable of delivering liquefied natural gas to other European nations. The plan also aims to increase gas export capacity to France by 18 percent via the Pyrenean interconnection.