While the precise date remains unconfirmed, a new electricity bill is slated to appear in 2023. This redesigned invoice will affect all electricity consumers within the regulated market—specifically those under the Voluntary Price for Small Consumers (VPSC) scheme—and reflects the Government’s stated aim to emphasize tangible benefits. Supportive measures such as the Iberian mechanism and targeted tax relief are highlighted as actions that lower overall costs, not the reverse, signaling a focus on savings and efficiency through standardized consumption guidance based on postal code and personalized usage recommendations. The Ministry of Ecological Transition has opened a public consultation on the proposal with a deadline of December 1, signaling a formal step toward broader implementation. The bill is expected to expand from two pages to three pages to accommodate the new information.
More information
The core components of the receipt—contracted power, energy consumed, taxes, and meter rental—remain visible. Three new elements are introduced: a clear breakdown of monthly payments toward the social bonus and energy cost, along with a concise explanation of ongoing tax relief, including the reduction of the VAT rate from 21% to 5% and the Special Tax on Electricity decreasing from 5.11% to 0.5% to reflect current policy goals [Citation: Ministry of Ecological Transition, public hearing summary].
The invoice will also present the Iberian mechanism and the corresponding adjustment mechanism. This shows the amount paid to compensate gas-fired plants and reveals how wholesale market prices would have looked absent the mechanism. Importantly, it illustrates the difference between the actual price and the hypothetical price, effectively showing the savings achieved through the gas price cap for that month.
Comparison of consumption with neighbor
The updated bill introduces a neighborhood comparison feature: average consumption by postal code and average household consumption will be displayed to encourage benchmarking and productivity. A graphic on the invoice will present these figures to aid comprehension. The calculation of average consumption is based on the billing cycle’s length, extending to the calendar month with the most days. If two different months share the same number of days, the average will be calculated for both months and presented accordingly. The National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) will edit the data, while distribution companies provide information to energy sellers, enabling the creation of reference consumption segments with similar characteristics for meaningful comparisons. Customers will have a one-month window to commission these features as part of the rollout [Citation: CNMC regulatory framework, 2023].
Saving Tips
The final section of the invoice is dedicated to practical savings guidance. The Government intends to promote energy efficiency within homes by publishing practical recommendations from the Energy Minister. These tips cover efficient use of household appliances, turning devices off during absences such as holidays, and maximizing natural sunlight to dry clothes in the summer. Guidance on minimizing solar heat gain through windows in summer and optimizing passive solar benefits in winter is also provided, helping families manage bills without sacrificing comfort.