Slovakia is introducing a new law on targeted energy aid for households. This law will replace the previous system of general energy compensation. According to the law, families whose income is below a threshold set by the government will receive aid.
Under the new rules, energy aid will be provided by setting prices for electricity, gas, and heat, or in the form of energy services. The price of electricity for those eligible for aid has already been announced: it will be 72.7 euros per megawatt-hour. This is about one-fifth higher than the current level. For households not eligible for subsidies, electricity will cost like a commercial product – over 103 euros per MWh, plus additional fees and VAT.
Households will receive information about their eligibility for aid electronically from the Ministry of Economy. If a family disagrees with the decision, they can file an objection within 60 days.
The new law introduces the concept of an "energy household." This includes everyone officially registered at the same address. The income of all family members, including children, will be considered. For those whose incomes exceed the threshold, energy tariffs will increase: gas by about 30%, and electricity by about 20%.
What does this mean for immigrants?
An energy household includes everyone who has a permanent residence (trvalý pobyt) at a specific address, regardless of family ties. This means the law directly affects everyone with permanent residency in Slovakia. Their income at their registered address (their own or rented home) will be included in the calculation of the "energy household's solvency" (bonita energetickej domácnosti).
For foreigners with temporary residency (pobyt), everything will depend on who is registered at the address of the apartment or house. If the property is rented and the owners are registered there, the aid may be partially provided or not provided at all. In this case, full tariffs without subsidies will apply. This means that utility costs for such tenants could significantly increase.
The Ministry of Economy will define the key criteria for receiving aid: type of residence, household income, and energy consumption. All data will be processed through an electronic register of consumer points and then automatically deleted.
According to the Minister of Economy, Denisa Saková, the law creates a clear legal and institutional mechanism for providing aid and minimizes bureaucracy. It is expected that about 90% of the country's households will be able to receive support. Funding for administration costs and changes to information systems will come from EU funds.
In the near future, the government will approve a detailed regulation on the amount and conditions for providing aid. This regulation will be reviewed annually and adapted to the needs of different regions.
