
The SME sector and agricultural producers should sleep peacefully. The long-awaited act, which guarantees that electricity prices will remain at the current level of PLN 693/MWh net without excise tax until the end of this year, has already entered into force.
Preferential rates apply to local government units, public utility entities (such as schools, nurseries, hospitals) and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
How have electricity prices for SMEs and agricultural producers changed since 2022?
To better understand the current situation, it is worth looking at historical changes in electricity prices for eligible business customers. From December 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, the maximum price was PLN 785/MWh net (excluding VAT and excise duty), which after adding VAT and excise duty gave PLN 971.70/MWh gross.
The increases were felt strongly and, in many cases, unbearable for companies. Especially those from the SME sector. It is therefore not surprising that some enterprises welcomed the introduction of new, lower rates from October 2023.
From October 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the electricity price was reduced to PLN 693/MWh net, which after adding VAT and excise tax gives PLN 858.54/MWh gross.
The reduction was approximately 12% compared to the previous rate, which was an important factor supporting the financial stability of enterprises, and thanks to the act signed by the President on June 10, the period of preferential rates was extended until the end of this year.
Stabilization of electricity prices at PLN 693/MWh net is particularly important for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often have limited ability to absorb increases in operating costs. A fixed electricity price allows these companies to plan their budget and development strategy more effectively, as well as to avoid sudden, unforeseen expenses related to energy price increases – explains Jarosław Fabiański, president of Direct4Energy.
Not only businesses, but also public utilities such as schools, hospitals and nurseries will also feel the positive impact of stable energy prices. Lower operating costs allow for better management of public funds and the potential use of savings for other necessary purposes, such as improving infrastructure or increasing the quality of services for local communities.
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However, the financial idyll will not last long, and the energy shield will cease to apply within a few months. According to experts, in the current market situation, energy cost management is becoming a key element of every company's strategy.
By choosing flexible tariffs, you can adjust your energy purchase to current stock exchange prices. This is a beneficial solution for companies that can take advantage of the lowest energy prices on the market at a given time, while accepting the risk of price fluctuations – explains Fabiański. – For companies that prefer financial stability, a fixed energy price option may be more suitable. Thanks to this, energy costs remain predictable and unchanged throughout the duration of the contract, which facilitates budget planning – adds the president of Direct4Energy.
In the case of larger entities, an interesting alternative is investing in green energy, which may bring benefits not only in the form of lower bills, but also in improving the company's image as ecologically responsible. Choosing renewable energy sources is a step towards sustainable development.
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– Cooperation with energy experts can help identify and implement the best solutions tailored to the specific nature of the company. Thanks to this, you can better manage costs and optimize energy consumption – concludes Fabiański.
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