Deregulation of energy law – draft law submitted for the President’s signature. What changes await entrepreneurs? (Powiel)
The draft law amending certain laws to deregulate the energy sector (UDER92) does not introduce a revolution in the functioning of the energy market, but represents another step in simplifying regulations and reducing unnecessary formalities. The most noticeable changes will affect the way energy bills are presented, the development of electronic communication, and new solutions supporting the transformation of heating.
From the perspective of entrepreneurs, it will be particularly important to adequately prepare for new organizational obligations and to continuously monitor the legislative process. If the law comes into force, energy companies will be required to implement new solutions, while energy consumers should gain clearer billing rules and easier access to information regarding the services provided.
Objective of the proposed law
The draft does not constitute a comprehensive amendment to the Energy Law. Its primary aim is to remove selected administrative barriers that practically hinder the functioning of energy companies, energy consumers, and investors.
The amendment includes changes to several laws regulating the energy sector. Among the most important goals, the legislator indicates:
- simplification of electricity billing rules,
- increased transparency of energy bills,
- acceleration of communication between energy companies and consumers,
- development of modern district heating,
- creation of legal foundations for heat and cold storage,
- reduction of unnecessary administrative obligations for entrepreneurs.
Although many changes are organizational in nature, their practical significance for the energy market is substantial – for both energy companies and entities conducting business activities.
Simpler electricity bills
One of the most noticeable changes will be the obligation to prepare clearer electricity bills.
The draft provides that the most important information should be presented in the form of a simple summary placed at the beginning of the invoice. The recipient will be able to easily determine:
- the total amount due,
- the amount charged for energy sales,
- the amount of distribution fees,
- the duration of the contract.
In practice, this solution is expected to increase the transparency of the energy market and facilitate consumers in comparing offers from energy sellers. At the same time, energy companies will be required to adjust the invoice templates and billing systems used.
Greater digitization of contacts with energy companies
The draft also assumes further digitization of communication between energy companies and clients.
New solutions are intended to enable more efficient electronic information transfer, reducing the need for paper correspondence. For companies, this means the possibility of simplifying customer service and reducing administrative costs associated with traditional correspondence.
At the same time, consumers will retain the option to use traditional forms of contact if they do not choose electronic communication.
Changes in district heating
The law introduces for the first time a definition of heat or cold storage into the Energy Law – until now, this area functioned in a legal gray zone, which hindered the financing and structuring of such projects. Additionally, the draft abolishes the licensing obligation and the requirement for tariff approval by the President of URE for heat sources dedicated to a single industrial consumer or a group of industrial consumers. In practice, this means a faster investment path for heating installations serving production plants.
Importance for entrepreneurs
Greater transparency in billing will facilitate the analysis of energy costs and the comparison of offers from different sellers. This may increase competition in the market and make it easier to make decisions regarding changing energy suppliers.
For companies operating in the energy sector, the new regulations mean the need to adjust internal processes, but at the same time, they should contribute to reducing some administrative obligations in the longer term.
Solutions regarding heat storage and support for modern heating align with the broader process of energy transformation and increasing energy efficiency.
What’s next for the project?
After the parliamentary work is completed, the law has been passed by the Sejm and Senate, and is currently submitted to the President of the Republic of Poland for signature. This means that the project is at the final stage of the legislative process, and it is expected to come into force soon. After the law is signed and published in the Journal of Laws, entrepreneurs will need to prepare for the implementation of new regulations within the deadlines set by the legislator.
