Maneuver: with EU flexibility in energy aid, green restrictions are triggered for businesses

New "spaces" for energy security thanks to EU flexibility and a green restriction for companies that will receive aid against high electricity costs. This is what emerges from articles 82 and 83 of the measure, which puts up to 6 billion euros of support on the table between 2027 and 2030, on the condition that companies allocate "resources equal to at least 100% of the aid" to investments to reduce consumption and emissions. Of the package, 2.5 billion are intended for energy-intensive companies and 3.53 billion for non-energy-intensive micro, small and medium-sized companies.

The investments allowed range from renewables to storage systems, from energy efficiency to the electrification of production processes. For SMEs they must be started after the application and completed within 36 months of the concession, unless different deadlines are set by Brussels. The GSE will supervise and, in the event of non-compliance, it will be able to order "the reduction or recovery of the aid, plus interest". However, the approval of the EU Commission on state aid will be required to start the incentives.