In approving the distribution tariffs for the largest electricity distributors for 2025, the President of the Energy Regulatory Office introduced changes to the average distribution rates, including those for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition, the RES levy, which is one of the items on the electricity bill, has increased. This levy is intended to support the generation of electricity from renewable sources and the operation of mechanisms that help ensure a sufficiently high share of ‘green energy’ in the national energy mix. According to a statement by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE), from 1 January 2025, the RES levy rate has increased from PLN 0/MWh to PLN 3.50/MWh.
Changes to average distribution tariffs – what are the implications for small and medium-sized enterprises?
Rising operating costs for small and medium-sized enterprises
One of the most significant challenges businesses may face is the rise in operating costs. This particularly affects energy-intensive enterprises, such as manufacturing plants, transport companies and the food industry. Higher energy bills may impact not only their profitability but also their price competitiveness. Additional costs may force many firms to raise the prices of their products, which, in a context of rising inflation and consumer sensitivity to price rises, poses a serious challenge. In such a scenario, the rise in electricity prices will also affect households, which, although protected from energy price increases until at least 30 September 2025, may as consumers face additional costs due to a potential rise in the prices of goods and services.
Electricity price rises – regulatory uncertainty
The decision to freeze electricity prices for households until 30 September 2025 means that small and medium-sized enterprises remain uncertain about future tariffs. It cannot be ruled out that the planned analyses of the market situation may lead to further increases in energy prices towards the end of this year. Such uncertainty may hinder budget planning and investment decision-making, particularly for businesses operating on narrow profit margins.
Risks to businesses’ financial liquidity
Higher electricity bills may affect businesses’ financial liquidity, particularly for those already facing economic difficulties. Higher energy costs may reduce the funds allocated in the budget for business development, staff salaries or the settlement of liabilities to suppliers and contractors. In extreme cases, this may lead to delays in settling debts, which in turn may result in difficulties in obtaining loans or other forms of financing, or a loss of trust among business partners and problems in maintaining cooperation with contractors on the existing terms.
Electricity price rises for businesses. Is it possible to terminate an electricity contract?
The new electricity tariffs in 2025 pose a significant threat to small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland, particularly in the context of rising operating costs, regulatory uncertainty and limited scope for negotiation of contracts with energy distributors. Faced with these challenges, companies must take proactive steps to minimise risks and maximise energy efficiency. A key element may be investing in new technologies and utilising available financial support tools, such as EU and national funds. Many support programmes offer grants for energy modernisation and improving energy efficiency. Terminating a business electricity contract may also prove to be a sensible solution, and HWW Hewelt Wojnowski Lindner i Wspólnicy can assist with this. Please contact us if you are interested in terminating your electricity contract.
Specializes in corporate services for business entities and personal data protection. Assists the firm's clients in the preparation of all corporate documentation, including the registration of commercial companies and the further registration of changes, and provides ongoing and comprehensive advice on business. Provides advice in carrying out transformation processes of commercial companies, including transformations and mergers. Prepares and gives opinions on contracts, regulations and current documentation…
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