Portugal’s Energy Services Regulator, ERSE, has introduced new network access tariffs for facilities that qualify as Intensive Electricity Customers (ECE). This follows approval from the European Commission on April 24, 2025, allowing special cost reductions for these energy-intensive sites.

Under the new rules, ECE facilities can benefit from significant discounts on General Economic Interest Costs (CIEG):

·         Facilities in sectors with a high risk of economic impact, as listed in Annex I of the European Commission’s 2022 guidelines on climate, environment, and energy, will receive an 85% reduction on CIEG.

·         Facilities in other at-risk sectors qualify for a 75% CIEG discount. This can increase to 85% if the facility meets all of the following:

                     (i)        At least 50% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.

                    (ii)        At least 10% of its consumption is secured through forward contracts or bilateral agreements.

                   (iii)        At least 5% of its energy comes from renewable self-consumption.

Additionally, all energy used through self-consumption, even if supplied via the public grid, is fully exempt from CIEG.

For more details on the ECE program, visit The New Portuguese Rules for Energy Intensive Consumers on our website.

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