The end of the protected energy market is set for July 1st, with 4.5 million users who will have to choose whether to move to the free market or remain with the new operators who will divide Italy between themselves. Today, after almost a month of waiting, the names of the operators of the future gradual protection service were published: there are seven and they will manage the 26 lots into which the country has been divided .
And even if for Minister Picchetto «the auctions went well», according to Assoutenti the Island will be among the most penalized. « The most disadvantaged users are undoubtedly those who reside in Sardinia , in the province of Naples and in the Sicilian cities of Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Palermo, Trapani – explains the honorary president of the consumer association, Furio Truzzi -. In these areas, albeit to a varying extent, there has been an increase in prices for non-vulnerable customers compared to the tender price . This means that families who reside in these areas and who have not chosen a free market supplier by July 1st will find themselves paying much higher bills than those who live in Tuscany or Calabria, regions where auctions have set the greater price reductions."
Nuoro and Sassari are located in Southern Area 1 – managed by Illumia Spa – together with the province of Naples. Cagliari, Oristano and Southern Sardinia, on the other hand, are in Southern Area 2 - managed by A2A Energia Spa - together with the municipality of Naples. The auctions were held on January 10 - organized by Acquirente Unico, the public company that buys electricity for the protected market. Each of the 26 zones was assigned to the company that made the lowest offer: Enel, Hera, Edison, Iren, E.ON, in addition to the aforementioned Illumia and A2A.
As Arera - the Regulatory Authority for energy, networks and the environment - reminds us, " the definitive economic conditions of the gradual protection service can only be defined and made known close to the transition to the new service, in the month of June ". What is certain, continues the authority, is that "regardless of the consumption of energy, you will save 73 euros per year in fixed expenses on your bill which on a monthly basis correspond to -6 euros per month".
«The auctions were characterized by great participation and competition between operators – underlined Pichetto Fratin – which translates into advantages for users. Another important step has therefore been taken towards the liberalization of the last segment of the electricity market, that of domestic customers . An essential good at a reasonable price: this is what consumers expect and this is what we are building through a clear and transparent path, which places us among the most advanced countries in Europe."
Despite the deadline of 1 July, for three years, from July 2024 to July 2027, non-vulnerable domestic customers will be able to obtain supplies from the winner of the relevant lot at the price set at the auction, but will be able to switch to the free market at any time . Customers who fall within the so-called vulnerability criteria will for the moment remain in the greater protection supply regime, waiting for the auctions to be held shortly to identify the operators who will apply the conditions set by Arera to them. For non-vulnerable users already on the free market, however, there is the right to return to the enhanced protection service until the end of June 2024.
(Unioneonline/vf)
