On 17 July 2026, the European Commission published a staff working document accompanying a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2019/943, aiming to reduce electricity bills by cutting system costs and fostering electrification and digitalisation. The proposal targets the two main components of electricity bills—network charges and taxes—through smarter grid operation, digitalisation, and tax alignment, with the goal of lowering costs especially for consumers who use the grid most efficiently.
The document estimates that approximately EUR 600 billion in grid investments will be needed by 2030 and EUR 1.2 trillion by 2040, costs that will be reflected in network charges. To mitigate these costs, the Commission proposes improving network charge design so that system operators and users reduce peaks, use flexibility, and limit avoidable grid costs. It also introduces a minimum smart meter deployment trajectory, common smart grid indicators, and more effective electricity grid data exchange. A voluntary EU-level framework for secure reuse of electricity grid data is created to develop innovative digital tools.
On taxation, the proposal ensures that electricity is not subject to a higher tax burden than gas, without harmonising tax rates or levels. It also proposes measures for non-discriminatory and transparent prioritisation of grid connection requests. The initiative builds on the AccelerateEU plan published on 22 April 2026 and responds to the European Council's call of 19 March 2026 for concrete actions to lower electricity prices.
EU electricity consumers could see lower bills if they use the grid efficiently, but network charges may rise to fund the massive grid investments. Grid operators face new requirements for smart metering and data exchange, increasing compliance costs. Digital technology providers stand to benefit from the new data-sharing framework. EU member states will need to adjust tax policies to avoid higher electricity taxation relative to gas, though tax rates remain unharmonised.
The proposal will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure. The Commission's accompanying staff working document provides detailed impact assessments and technical annexes to inform the legislative debate.