Many households in Poland could benefit in 2024 from the alleged power voucher, which was intended to mitigate the effects of advanced current prices. The strategy was a one-off benefit for low-income households. Applications could be submitted from 1 August to 30 September 2024. There were income criteria that differed depending on whether the farm was heating the home with electricity. For specified farms the benefits were twice as high, e.g. PLN 600 for a 1-man farm, up to PLN 1200 for a 6-man farm.
In total, around 2.4 million households benefited from an energy voucher. Despite reports circulating in the media about the alleged start of recruitment in 2025, The Ministry of Climate and Environment confirmed that the energy voucher would not proceed in 2025. The exception may be individual withdrawals in municipalities that failed to make their payments in 2024, but it will not be a fresh recruitment or a fresh program.
Instead of another edition of the power voucher, the government decided to extend the freezing of electricity prices besides for 2025. This was established already in November 2024 by the economical Committee of the Council of Ministers and enshrined in the amended Act. This means that in 2025, although there will be a power charge again in the accounts, the energy cost itself will stay limited by the decisions of the government.
According to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), in 2024 electricity prices increased by more than 20% compared to the erstwhile year. The government considered that the freezing of electricity prices is essential to mitigate the effects of inflation and advanced electricity prices. This decision has a affirmative impact on households which must pay higher bills for electricity.
The freezing of electricity prices is not the only government decision to aid households. In 2024, the government besides increased the amount of taxation free for households, which means that most of their income is not taxed. Moreover, the government has launched support schemes for households that have difficulty paying bills for electricity.
It is besides worth noting that the freezing of electricity prices is not a long-term solution. The government should besides invest in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on energy imports and defend the environment. According to the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Poland has ambitious targets for the improvement of renewable energy sources to be achieved by 2030.
In late 2024, the government launched a fresh programme aimed at supporting households in the improvement of renewable energy sources. This programme provides for grants to households wishing to invest in renewable energy sources, specified as photovoltaic panels or heat pumps.
It is besides worth remembering that households can besides reduce their electricity consumption on their own, which will save them money in bills. For example, farms can invest in energy-saving devices specified as LEDs, or improve insulation in their homes.
In conclusion, the power coupon does not return in 2025, but the government decided to extend the freezing of electricity prices to mitigate the effects of inflation and advanced electricity prices. Households should besides reduce their electricity consumption on their own to save money in accounts. The government should besides invest in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on energy imports and defend the environment.
