Electricity and gas bills: what will change as of 1 January in ten questions and answers
The changes are contained in the resolution approved a few days ago by the Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment (Arera)
3' min read
Key points
- 1) Can you check what you accept if you sign a contract over the phone before the final ok?
- 2) Is there a right of withdrawal?
- 3) Will the seller be obliged to send the distance contract in another form?
- 4) Does the contract become valid without explicit consent?
- 5) Can the customer choose the durable medium on which to receive communications?
- 6) If the customer hardly checks his phone, how do you ensure that he receives these communications?
- 7) If you realise you have not accepted a contract, what can you do to protect yourself?
- 8) If the contract was signed without consent, can an annulment be requested?
- 9) Some call centres threaten an interruption of supply. Is this a real risk?
- 10) Who can be contacted to ask about bills and costs?
3' min read
As of 1 January, some rules for electricity and gas bills change to ensure greater transparency and protection. The changes are contained in the resolution approved a few days ago by the Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (Arera). The document issued by the Authority chaired by Stefano Besseghini implements the changes to the Consumer Code dictated by Legislative Decree 26/2023 and the Competition Law 2022, strengthening the obligations of sellers in the event of changes to contractual conditions. Let's see what changes from next year in ten questions and answers.
1) Can you check what you agree to if you sign a contract over the phone before the final OK?
.As of today, there is already an obligation for the seller to send written documentation in the case of telephone contracts no later than 10 working days after conclusion of the contract. As of 1 January, a strengthening of customer protection will be triggered: not only will the customer's consent to the conclusion of the contract be required, but the customer must also confirm that he has received the documentation in writing.
2) Is there a right of withdrawal?
The right was already provided for before the last resolution approved by Arera: 14 days from the conclusion of the contract (extended to 30 days in special cases). In addition, for contracts concluded via door-to-door visits, the right of withdrawal will be extended from 14 to 30 days.
3) Will the seller be obliged to send the distance contract in another form?
Absolutely. The seller must send the customer a written document clearly setting out all the contractual conditions. This document must be transmitted on a durable medium, such as a paper communication (by post) or an electronic file (by e-mail or app notification).
4) Does the contract become valid without express consent?
No, the customer must explicitly confirm receipt of the document containing the contractual conditions. Without this confirmation, the contract cannot be considered valid.
