Aid and tax cuts in response to the Middle East energy crisis

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1. The electricity bono socialBono social A discount on the electricity bill for low-income or vulnerable households. discounts are extended through 2026: 42.5% for vulnerable consumers and 57.5% for severely vulnerable ones. If you were overbilled before the rule took effect, the difference is refunded on your next bill.
2. The minimum thermal bono social aid rises to 50 euros per beneficiary, with 90 million euros added to fund it in 2026. Water and energy supply to vulnerable households is guaranteed not to be cut off through December 31, 2026.
3. Through December 31, 2026, self-employed workers and companies can change their contracted electricity capacity or modify their natural gas contracts at no cost, to adapt to rising prices. The gas measure is withdrawn if the price stays below €35/MWh for a sustained period.
4. In 2026, certified energy-intensive industry will get an 80% discount on grid access tolls, applied directly on the bill.
5. Taxes are cut through June 30, 2026: the Special Electricity Tax drops to 0.5%, VAT on electricity, gas and fuels falls to 10%, and Hydrocarbons Tax rates are reduced. Gas stations must publicize these cuts.
6. Direct aid of €0.20 per liter of diesel goes to farmers, ranchers, road haulers and fishing vessel owners, plus aid for higher fertilizer costs of up to €55 per hectare of irrigated land.
7. Companies receiving direct aid may not lay off workers for economic or force majeure reasons linked to this crisis through June 30, 2026; if they do, they must return the aid and the dismissal is null.
8. The Auto+ program is created with 400 million euros to help buy electric and electrified vehicles, and personal income taxincome tax The personal income tax (IRPF in Spain): what people pay on what they earn from work, business or savings. deductions for energy efficiency works, self-consumption and electric vehicles are extended.

Who it affects

• Vulnerable households: Keep discounts on electricity and heating bills and cannot have their supply cut off during 2026.
• Companies and self-employed workers: Can adapt their electricity and gas contracts at no cost, and energy-intensive industries get a large toll discount.
• Farmers, ranchers, fishers and haulers: Receive direct aid per liter of diesel and compensation for fertilizers and other costs.
• Drivers and vehicle buyers: Pay less VAT on fuels and can access aid and deductions for buying electric vehicles.
• Companies receiving aid: Cannot lay off workers for crisis-related reasons through June 30, 2026.

Words worth knowing

Bono social

A discount on the electricity bill for low-income or vulnerable households.

Peaje de acceso

The part of the electricity bill that pays for using the electricity transmission and distribution grids.

Consumidor electrointensivo

A company that uses a lot of electricity and holds a certificate proving it.

Impuesto Especial sobre la Electricidad

A tax on electricity supply that is added to the bill.

Real decreto-ley

A rule with the force of law that the Government can pass urgently in extraordinary situations, and that Congress must later approve.

income tax

The personal income tax (IRPF in Spain): what people pay on what they earn from work, business or savings.

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