21 August 2026 (Hina) – The Croatian Government has sent proposed amendments to the Electricity Market Act to Parliament that would ban electricity disconnections for vulnerable consumers and households affected by energy poverty
The proposed changes are aimed at strengthening consumer protection while also introducing new measures covering electricity contracts, debt management, renewable energy and possible government intervention in electricity prices.
Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar said the amendments would give consumers greater choice in electricity contracts and strengthen protection for vulnerable and energy-poor households.
Under the proposed legislation, electricity suppliers would be required to warn customers about unusually high increases in consumption and offer flexible repayment plans for outstanding bills. They would also have to provide advice on managing debt, promote information about consumers’ rights and facilitate access to financial support, vouchers or subsidies where available.
Temporary suspension of electricity supply would remain possible for consumers who do not fall into the vulnerable or energy-poor categories. Such measures could also be applied by the transmission system operator if a customer fails to pay network usage charges.
New electricity contract requirements
The amendments would require suppliers to offer consumers a range of contracts suited to their circumstances, including at least one contract with a fixed duration and fixed price.
Customers would also have to receive clear pre-contract information explaining the offers.
For businesses, the Government is encouraging greater use of power purchase agreements (PPAs), long-term contracts intended to provide greater price stability and reduce exposure to fluctuations linked to fossil fuel prices.
Government intervention during electricity price crises
The proposed law would also establish conditions under which the Government could intervene in electricity prices.
If the EU Council declares a regional or EU-wide electricity price crisis, the Government would be able to temporarily determine electricity supply prices for small and medium-sized businesses.
The amendments also address renewable energy projects affected by delays in determining grid connection charges. Certain investors would receive extensions to their energy permits, while new permits could be issued where existing deadlines have expired.
Investors with grid connection agreements that do not specify a connection deadline would have four years to be connected to the electricity network, otherwise their agreements could be terminated.
Krško nuclear plant operating at full capacity
The Government also adopted a conclusion concerning the fourth revision of the programme for the decommissioning of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and the programme for the disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.
Šušnjar said the plant was currently operating stably at 100% capacity, describing it as an important part of the security of Croatia’s electricity supply.
The two programmes, established under an agreement between Croatia and Slovenia, are reviewed every five years to allow for future activities and financial requirements to be planned.
Land earmarked for new school in Metković
The Government also recommended that Hrvatske šume donate 11,550 square metres of undeveloped construction land to Dubrovnik-Neretva County for the construction of a new primary school in Metković.
The land has an estimated value of €1.22 million.
The new school is expected to ease pressure on the existing school and help enable single-shift and full-day schooling, in line with Croatia’s national education strategy.
The Government also approved an agreement for structural rehabilitation of a shared HZMO and HZZO office building in Dubrovnik, describing the works as necessary repairs.
Source: www.croatiaweek.com
