On Thursday, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, submitted an amendment to a Justice Ministry bill introducing a new two-zone reduced electricity pricing system set to take effect on February 1, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Environment, this legislative initiative aims to establish a two-zone system for reduced electricity tariffs, enabling consumers to access electricity during cheaper periods. These times are primarily driven by increased production from Renewable Energy Sources (RES).

The amendment permits electricity providers to designate specific time periods within the day when reduced tariffs can be offered to consumers.

By ministerial decision, the following will be determined:

• The specific time periods,
• Actions required by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO),
• Rights and obligations of providers and consumers,
• Duration of these periods,
• Any additional details necessary for implementing the reduced tariffs and transitioning from the current system to the new one.

Furthermore, the amendment stipulates that existing supply contracts with reduced-rate schedules will remain valid, automatically incorporating the new schedule, provided the technical specifications of the installed meters allow for it.

Consumers will also have the right to terminate their contracts without penalties within three months from the date the ministerial decision takes effect.

Details of the New System

As announced by Mr. Skylakakis, the new two-zone reduced electricity pricing system will initially apply to consumers with compatible meters and active two-zone (night) tariffs, such as meters capable of recording in two zones or new smart meters.

The new system will feature two distinct zones—midday and night—with differing schedules for winter and summer:

Winter Schedule (November to March):

• Midday Zone: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Night Zone: 2 a.m. – 5 a.m.

Summer Schedule (April to October):

• Midday Zone: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Night Zone: 2 a.m. – 4 a.m.

The schedule will apply every day of the week, without exceptions.

Additional Amendment for DEPA Trade

In the same bill, the Minister also introduced another amendment concerning the smooth operation of the Public Gas Corporation Trading Company (DEPA Trade S.A.).