A new economic aid for Italian families is being planned: it is called Bonus sociale energia plus and it is the measure that the government intends to activate between 2028 and 2031 to offset the effects of the future European Ets2 system, which will impact the costs of fossil fuels and, consequently, domestic heating expenses. The provision, included in the Social Climate Plan approved by the Council of Ministers, will now have to be discussed with the European Commission. Only at the end of the negotiation will the bonus take its final form, but the guidelines are already outlined.
Read more Runs over a group of cyclists after an argument. Four hospitalized: one is in serious condition
Who will be able to receive it
According to government estimates, the potential audience is large: about 4.7 million households. To access the benefit, two requirements will be necessary:
- Isee not exceeding 25,000 euros
- Electric meter up to 4.5 kW of power
The verification of the requirements will be automatic: Arera will identify the beneficiaries and recognize the amount directly on the bill, without the need to submit an application. The measure is designed to support especially families living in inefficient homes, dependent on gas for heating, and residing in colder climate zones, where energy consumption is higher.
Read more Superenalotto, the winning numbers of August 7
Variable amounts and three-year duration
The value of the bonus will not be the same for everyone. It will depend on three factors:
- Isee bracket
- Climatic zone of residence
- Estimate of the increases generated by Ets2
The first simulations by Ispra indicate that the cost increase could range between 10 and 180 euros per year, depending on the territory and consumption. For this reason, the bonus amount will be adjusted and accompanied by a phase-out mechanism: the economic support will progressively decrease over the three years, until it is exhausted in 2031. The idea is that the bonus will accompany families in the initial phase of the new European system. With the start of other structural measures for energy efficiency, the weight of fossil fuels should decrease and heating costs become more sustainable.
Why it will be needed from 2028
The new Ets2 mechanism requires those who put fossil fuels on the market to pay a fee linked to the emissions produced. It is a system designed to accelerate the ecological transition, but it could generate an increase in the prices of gas and other fuels used for domestic heating. To prevent this impact from falling on the most vulnerable families, the European Union has provided dedicated funds to member states. The Bonus sociale energia plus is Italy’s response to this need: targeted support, planned well in advance and intended to come into effect when the new European system is fully operational.
Read more Monte Livata, three scouts struck by lightning: 16-year-old in serious condition
