The option for consumers to switch electricity providers online is expected to become available starting in June, as announced by the President of the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Professor Athanasios Dagoumas, during a meeting with members of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its board of directors’ session yesterday.

According to Mr. Dagoumas, Greece is currently at the European average in terms of wholesale electricity prices. However, his estimate is that retail prices may decrease, though not until after the summer, approaching pre-crisis levels.

The President of the Energy Regulatory Authority also addressed the price differences between countries, explaining that pricing depends on various factors and that, ultimately, the final cost is determined by each country’s energy mix.

Among other topics, he referred to the installation of “smart” meters, which is progressing rapidly, as well as efforts to combat electricity theft.

During his remarks, the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Giannis Chatzitheodosiou, highlighted the pressure faced by professionals, small and medium-sized businesses, and households due to rising electricity prices. He stressed that, to date, businesses remain excluded from subsidies and detailed how the high cost of energy is affecting the market.

“We are talking about an inflexible expense that is directly related to business operations. Especially for energy-intensive businesses, such as restaurants, bakeries, and small manufacturing workshops, the struggle is real, and many have even been forced to shut down. The broader economic climate isn’t helping either. Inflation across all goods, reduced revenues, high rents, and increased taxation have created an explosive mix. And the inflated electricity bills only make this already difficult reality worse,” Mr. Chatzitheodosiou noted before addressing the policies of energy companies.

“The opening of the energy market has worked against consumers. It was supposed to foster competition and provide opportunities for better offers due to market rivalry. So far, however, all we see are high prices,” Mr. Chatzitheodosiou emphasized.

During the event, other members of the board, as well as committee presidents and members of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also spoke, primarily focusing on the heavy burden caused by rising electricity costs.