The controversial "sun tax," a measure implemented several years ago by the Spanish government, has been eliminated thanks to the new Royal Decree-Law 15/2018 on energy transition. Approved by the Council of Ministers, this measure comes at a time when Spain remains far from meeting the targets set by the European Union in this area.
Among other measures, the Royal Decree establishes the right to self-consume electricity free of charge; recognizes the right to shared self-consumption (multiple users sharing a single installation); simplifies administrative procedures; limits electricity bill prices; and introduces measures to promote electric vehicles.
The new regulation introduces measures to accelerate the transition to an energy model based on renewables, with the official document prioritizing the fight against energy poverty, which currently affects approximately 4.6 million people in Spain.
During this "ecological transition" process, the recent spike in electricity prices will be addressed urgently, offering greater support to vulnerable citizens and increasing consumer protections. Measures will also be established to better align tariffs with actual consumption, thereby reducing utility bills. Additionally, the power generation tax will be suspended, and an exemption will be granted for the so-called "green tax" (céntimo verde).
Within six months of the decree taking effect, the Government will present a National Strategy against Energy Poverty, establishing medium- and long-term goals alongside a stable framework for its eradication. This plan will be drafted in collaboration with regional and local governments, consumer associations, representatives from the third sector, and energy companies.
Via El Confidencial.
This article was written by Borja Fernández. The translation is powered by AI.
