# Italy Approves 'Bollette Bis' Decree to Cap Gas Prices New government measure implements a price ceiling on gas for thermoelectric power generation. - **Source:** [Il Sole 24 Ore – Italia](https://www.ilsole24ore.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a5dbc50c-fa64-40b8-9b54-64538ae02a5c ## Government Approves Price Cap The Italian Council of Ministers has officially approved the 'Bollette bis' decree. This new measure establishes a price ceiling on natural gas used specifically for thermoelectric power generation. Set at 58.9 euros per megawatt-hour, the policy aims to mitigate the volatility of energy costs currently impacting both households and businesses nationwide. ## Mechanism and Implementation The decree functions through a reimbursement mechanism, covering a portion of the natural gas costs incurred by thermoelectric producers. By lowering the input costs for electricity generation, the government intends to pass these savings directly to end-users. This approach follows the established Spanish model for managing energy price spikes in Europe. ## Projected Cost Reductions Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, stated that the measures will take effect starting in January. The government anticipates an average reduction of approximately 15 euros per megawatt-hour for electricity consumers. This initiative serves as a primary step to support the national production system and domestic energy consumers. ## European Commission Coordination The policy was finalized following extensive consultations with the European Commission to ensure regulatory alignment. Technical support was provided by Arera and the Gme, the Energy Markets Operator, to define the operational framework. These institutions conducted necessary simulations to satisfy European requirements before the final approval of the legislative decree. ## Geopolitical Contextual Factors The implementation of this decree occurs within a complex international environment marked by significant geopolitical tensions. These external pressures have historically caused instability in global energy markets, directly inflating costs for Italian families and firms. The government designed this intervention to provide a buffer against such unpredictable and volatile market fluctuations. ## Institutional Collaborative Effort The development of the 'Bollette bis' decree involved a multi-layered institutional process. By integrating technical expertise from the Gme and regulatory oversight from Arera, the government sought to create a robust mechanism. This collaboration was essential to navigate the technical complexities of energy pricing while maintaining compliance with broader European Union standards. ## Economic Impact Scope This measure is intended to stabilize the domestic energy market by addressing the primary cost driver for electricity production. By focusing on the thermoelectric sector, the government targets the most significant source of price volatility. The policy reflects a strategic effort to protect the industrial fabric and consumer purchasing power simultaneously. ## Future Market Outlook As the decree takes effect in January, stakeholders will monitor the actual impact on electricity bills. The success of this intervention depends on the effective execution of the reimbursement mechanism and market response to the price cap. It represents a significant state intervention aimed at balancing energy security with economic affordability. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/decreto-bollette-bis-via-libera-cdm-tetto-prezzo-gas-AJVedJAC — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._