Currently, there is the possibility of contracting a regulated electricity rate, also known as PVPC, or opting for one of the many that exist in the free market. Depending on who it is for, one or the other option may be interesting. This will depend on how much you consume, at what times, if you have regular consumption or it is more concentrated in certain periods, etc. However, it seems that by 2026 the option of contracting a regulated rate could disappear.
The OCU warns that the European Commissioner for Energy has proposed that only vulnerable households in Spain be eligible for a regulated PVPC tariff from 2026. This would leave out approximately 6.9 million households that are currently part of the regulated market.
The regulated market in question
The OCU has indicated in a press release that they firmly support the possibility of maintaining a regulated tariff accessible to all types of households. Without a doubt, it is a very interesting option, although it also has its disadvantages, in order to save on the electricity bill each month. They assure that it has a great function in controlling the market, it is not necessary to contract additional services and we avoid surprises once the contract expires.
What the European Commissioner for Energy is seeking is for this regulated tariff to be available only to households in vulnerable situations, which, according to current data, is equivalent to around 1.6 million households. If we take into account the sum of those who currently have this tariff, almost 7 million households would be expelled.
If we take into account how energy prices have fluctuated in recent years, with significant price increases in some months, as well as changes in consumption habits, the regulated tariff has allowed us to save a lot. It is true that this should be taken with a grain of salt, since everything must be analysed correctly, but according to OCU, the PVPC tariff currently allows savings of 21%.
Choosing well is key
From RedesZone, we have already explained the differences between a regulated rate and the free market. It will depend on each case, so choosing well will be key. It is necessary to contract a service that really helps save on the electricity bill, avoiding peaks in months when there is greater consumption.
It is true that the regulated tariff is somewhat more complex. There is no single price per kWh for the whole month, or even for the whole day; it varies depending on each hour. This is a double-edged sword, since, depending on each case, it is possible to save a lot, but also to spend more compared to a free market rate. The interesting thing is to analyse the cheapest hours and concentrate energy consumption there, something that will not always be possible.
In short, the regulated electricity tariff could have its days numbered as we know it. At least, it seems that it could change radically from 2026 and that it will only be available to vulnerable households. This is something that, as we have explained, could leave many customers out.
