Slovenia approved the draft act on supporting electro-intensive companies. The law introduces targeted and time-limited support for energy-intensive companies to help offset high electricity prices, while also requiring them to invest in decarbonisation and cleaner technologies.
The aim is to help electro-intensive companies remain competitive in global markets and support national and EU climate goals. The scheme is based on the European Commission’s State Aid in Support of Clean Industry Agreement (CISAF) framework and allows partial compensation of electricity costs for the most exposed sectors.
At least 50 per cent of the aid received must be used for decarbonisation projects, such as improving energy efficiency and electrifying production processes, using renewable energy and other sustainable solutions. The law also defines clear eligibility criteria, aid limits, monitoring rules and sanctions in case of non-compliance.
Support will cover part of the electricity costs for up to 50 per cent of a company’s forecasted annual consumption. For this supported volume, the final price may not fall below 50 per cent of the market price and never below 50 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh). All other forms of state support for electricity costs will also be taken into account. Beneficiaries must invest in sustainable projects within 48 months.
The scheme will apply to electricity consumption in 2026–2028 and is expected to benefit around 40 companies in the most energy-intensive sectors, such as chemicals, steel and paper. Funding, estimated at 30 million euros per year, will come from state-owned companies with major power generation assets, outside the central government budget.
The government will submit the bill to parliament under an urgent procedure, as it requires timely approval by the European Commission and needs to be in place to support electricity consumption from 1 January 2026.