The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill decree. The Meloni government’s measure aims to combat high energy prices and support families and businesses.
The text now passes to the Senate for final approval by April 21, 2026. It includes a series of urgent measures: from bonuses on electricity bills to the extension of coal power plants, to a stop to aggressive telemarketing in the energy sector.
The 115 euro bonus for those who already receive the discount on their bill
The most awaited measure is the one-off extraordinary contribution of 115 euros, intended for holders of the social electricity bonus, i.e. families in conditions of economic hardship who already benefit from the discount on their bills.
The benefit falls within an overall spending limit of 315 million euros allocated for 2026. The requirements are linked to the ISEE of the family unit:
- less than 9,796 euros for families with up to three dependent children;
- less than 20,000 euros for families with four or more dependent children.
This is direct and automatic help, which does not require an application for those who are already included in the benefits system.
District heating is among the benefits
A significant innovation also extends the benefits to families who use district heating. Until now, this sector was excluded from specific protections, unlike electricity, gas and water services. District heating in Italy affects approximately 1.36 million homes, equal to over 2.5 million citizens.
The president of the Productive Activities Commission, Alberto Gusmeroli, defined the intervention as “an act of common sense and fairness” and underlined that it contributes to filling a regulatory gap, strengthening the fight against energy poverty.
Coal exit postponed to 2038
Among the most discussed measures is the extension to 2038 of the closure of coal-fired power plants, compared to the previous deadline of 2025. The law has attracted criticism from various environmental associations, concerned about the prolongation of the use of highly polluting sources.
The League has come out in support of the extension, recalling:
- the global energy crisis, aggravated by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and tensions in the Middle East;
- the need to ensure national energy security;
- the protection of the competitiveness of businesses;
- the protection of families from further increases in their bills.
Stop aggressive telemarketing
The decree also introduces stricter rules against aggressive telemarketing in the energy sector. It is prohibited to make commercial solicitations by telephone, including messages, to propose or conclude contracts for the supply of electricity and gas. Suppliers will only be able to contact customers in two cases:
- upon direct request from the consumer through the professional’s channels;
- if they are already active customers who have given explicit consent.
Each contact must start from an identifiable number. Calls made in violation will be void.
UNC and Codacons: “Decree passed”
At present the bill decree is already outdated and the measures contained within it do not appear capable of addressing the new economic scenario or solving the problem of the growth of energy prices. This was stated by Codacons, after the Chamber gave the green light to the decree. Explain the association:
The bonuses in favor of less well-off families represent a palliative that does not solve the problem of high energy prices or the crisis of recent weeks, the same goes for the voluntary contribution left to the total discretion of energy companies.
The National Consumers Union takes the same line, stating that it is serious that the decree has not acted to stem the rise in bills in the short term, which rose yesterday by 8.1% for electricity in the protected market, 45 euros on an annual basis.
