New taxes on electricity, nuclear waste and water use

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. It creates a tax on the value of electricity production: it taxes producing electricity and feeding it into the grid, at a 7% rate on what the producer receives. It is paid in November, with installment payments in May, September, November and February.
2. It creates two nuclear taxes: one on producing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste (2,190 euros per kilo of heavy metal, and 1,000 to 6,000 euros per cubic meter depending on the waste) and one on storing them in centralized facilities (2,000 to 30,000 euros per cubic meter, or 70 euros per kilo of spent fuel).
3. It raises special taxes on energy products: natural gas loses its zero rate and now pays 1.15 euros per gigajoule (0.65 for some uses, and 0.15 for professional uses that do not generate electricity). It also creates rates for gas oil and fuel oil used to produce electricity and removes exemptions for energy products used to generate electricity.
4. It creates a 22% levy on the value of hydroelectric energy produced using continental waters, meant to protect public water assets. It is reduced by 90% for facilities up to 50 MW and for pumped-storage facilities above 50 MW.
5. The revenue goes to fund the costs of the electricity system, together with the estimated income from auctions of greenhouse gas emission rights, capped at 500 million euros.
6. The law takes effect on January 1, 2013. The State budget law may change the tax rates and installment payments.

Who it affects

• Electricity producers: Pay 7% on the value of their production and make installment payments.
• Nuclear power plants: Pay for the spent fuel and radioactive waste they produce.
• Owners of centralized nuclear storage facilities: Pay for the fuel and waste they store.
• Companies using natural gas, gas oil or fuel oil: Pay new or higher rates under the hydrocarbons tax.
• Hydroelectric concession holders: Pay a 22% levy for using continental waters to produce electricity.

Words worth knowing

Hecho imponible

The action or situation that makes you owe a tax, such as producing electricity.

Base imponible

The amount the tax is calculated on, such as money received or kilos of waste produced.

Devengo

The moment the tax becomes due, even if it has not been paid yet.

Autoliquidar

To calculate and pay the tax yourself using official forms.

Barras de central

The point where electricity is measured at the power plant itself, before grid losses.

It summarizes the law as published in the BOE. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries