EU proposal to future-proof electricity bills

The European Commission has proposed a regulation to future-proof electricity bills in the Union by reducing system costs, reforming network charges, and aligning electricity taxation with electrification goals.

• The proposal is a first-time legislative initiative from the Commission, dated 17 July 2026, and it would amend Regulation (EU) 2019/943.
• It includes smart meter rollout targets of 50% by 31 December 2030 and 75% by 31 December 2033, plus a rule that electricity should be taxed no higher than natural gas; it also allows special network charge regimes for energy-intensive industries and data centers.
• The financial statement estimates EUR 0.391 million for ACER in 2027 and EUR 0.255 million for DG JRC in 2027, with 5 Commission FTEs and 2 ACER FTEs required overall.
• The article is an EU Commission proposal/explanatory memorandum, not a report of a completed deal or policy already adopted.