Freezing electricity prices for companies – what is changing?
The freeze on electricity prices for businesses was introduced in 2022. The aim of the regulation was to protect households and companies from drastic increases in energy rates in the face of the unstable political and economic situation caused by, among other things, the war in Ukraine. The mechanism established maximum electricity prices for businesses, which in the case of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises amounted to PLN 693/MWh. The frozen electricity price for businesses was in force until December 31, 2024.
What were the benefits of the maximum energy price for companies? The lack of risk of an increase in energy rates translated into the daily functioning of companies. Freezing electricity for companies ensured the stability of operating costs, which facilitated, among other things, easier budget planning.
Since January 2025, the freeze on electricity rates for companies has ceased to apply. On December 12, 2024, the Act of November 27, 2024 amending the Act on extraordinary measures aimed at limiting the level of electricity prices and supporting certain recipients in 2023 and 2024 entered into force. According to it, the energy shield was extended only for households and selected public institutions. However, the freeze on electricity prices for small and medium-sized enterprises was not taken into account. This means that the energy market is no longer regulated by the maximum price of electricity for companies. The limit previously set by the government does not apply, and rates are set by the market.
What consequences could new electricity prices bring for companies?
Why was the freeze on electricity prices for businesses lifted? The government justified the decision by stabilising energy rates, which meant that maximum energy prices for businesses were no longer necessary. How does this affect the costs generated by electricity for businesses? The freeze was a guarantee that the energy rate would not increase, providing a greater sense of security. The maximum energy price for businesses prevented rapid increases in electricity, and the lack of a shield caused concerns about uncontrolled cost increases. How could this affect the condition of Polish businesses?
- a decrease in innovation – freezing electricity prices for companies provided certainty of costs, which facilitated, among other things, investment planning,
- the risk of financial problems – the maximum energy price for companies protected against economic problems,
- lower competitiveness – the frozen price of electricity for companies affected the profitability and competitiveness of enterprises.
The relationship is quite obvious. Freezing electricity prices for companies stabilized costs, so in the face of rising energy prices, it may be necessary to raise the prices of products and services. The abolished maximum electricity prices for companies may also cause even more severe consequences for energy-intensive companies and small businesses operating on small profit margins. The new electricity prices for companies are no longer predictable - uncertainty about rates makes budget planning difficult, and high bills pose a threat to financial liquidity.
There is no doubt that frozen electricity prices for companies were an extremely convenient solution. If the maximum price of electricity for companies is no longer applicable, it is therefore necessary to look for other solutions.
What determines the wholesale price of electricity in Poland?
If the freeze on electricity prices for small businesses has ceased to apply, what then affects energy rates? The maximum price of energy for businesses is no longer justified, but this does not at all mean a sudden, uncontrolled increase. What determines the rate per kWh for businesses? The costs mainly consist of:
- active energy price,
- distribution fee,
- capacity fee,
- prices of CO₂ emission allowances,
- fluctuations in raw material prices.
New electricity rates for companies will therefore depend largely on the political and economic situation. Previously, this was protected against by the freezing of electricity prices - a company that does not want to expose itself to price increases must therefore carefully consider which electricity sales offer to use. It is also worth remembering that, in accordance with the decision of the President of the Energy Regulatory Office, from January 1, 2025, the renewable energy fee rate has increased to PLN 3,50/MWh. New electricity prices for companies will therefore also include this cost.
Guaranteed energy price for companies – is it a good solution?
How to ensure an attractive energy rate when the price freeze for small and medium-sized enterprises has ceased to regulate the energy market? One option is to take advantage of an offer that provides guaranteed electricity prices for companies. What does it involve? This is a fixed price for electricity for companies, i.e. a settlement model in which the company signs an agreement with the energy supplier, guaranteeing a fixed cost per unit of electricity for a specified period. This type of agreement therefore works in a similar way to the price freeze for electricity for companies.
Guaranteed electricity prices for companies are one of Veolia's proposals. Veo Standard is responsible for this - our standard product based on a fixed price during the contract. Veo Standard is a guarantee of electricity prices for companies, providing certainty of the unchangeable costs of purchasing electricity. So it is nothing more than freezing electricity for companies.
What is our maximum electricity price for companies? The limit, or rather the exact rate, is set according to the standard price list, and for customers who use more than 3000 MWh of electricity per year, we use an individual price quote. The price can also be averaged for the entire contract period or differentiated for individual periods - depending on your needs. How long does such a freeze in electricity prices last? A company can even decide on a multi-year contract, and the details are agreed individually.
Not just a freeze on electricity prices for companies – what else can we offer at Veolia?
Guaranteed electricity prices for companies are not the only solution that allows you to maximize savings. So how else can you ensure attractive energy rates? At Veolia, we offer more than just electricity price freezes. Companies can also take advantage of our flexible tariffs, specifically:
- Veo Flex – settlement based on indexing the purchase price to the stock exchange quotations of futures contracts,
- Veo Spot – purchase of energy settled at exchange prices on the delivery day (quoted on the Day-Ahead Market).
If you have a renewable energy installation with a capacity of more than 50 kW, we also offer Veo Duo, a product of selling electricity with simultaneous purchase of energy produced in the renewable energy installation.
Does freezing electricity prices for small businesses bring greater benefits than flexible tariffs? Each offer has its advantages. In the case of flexible tariffs, the entrepreneur is given the opportunity to actively manage energy supply contracts, which allows for securing prices at a lower level than fixed rates. This is not possible with freezing the price of electricity for businesses, in which the rate is always fixed, but stable.
Fixed electricity price for companies or flexible tariffs – which brings more benefits?
Freezing electricity prices for companies minimizes the risk of rising energy prices. So when will it be a good choice? Freezing electricity prices for microenterprises, as well as small and medium-sized companies, will work well when you want to be sure that the price will not change and you are looking for a certain contract for years. It is also worth considering freezing energy prices for small companies if you do not intend to analyze the situation on the stock exchanges yourself, and your priority is maximum cost stability.
Flexible tariffs allow for the use of price fluctuations to optimize energy purchase costs, which frozen electricity prices for companies cannot provide. However, this requires appropriate knowledge of the functioning of the electricity market. Making independent purchasing decisions also requires accepting the risk of losses, as well as constant monitoring of the energy market.
How to ensure cheap electricity for companies? Freezing is not the only way - take advantage of Veolia's offer
The freeze on electricity prices for small businesses provided a sense of security and stabilized costs. The maximum energy prices for businesses ceased to apply in 2025, but this does not mean that entrepreneurs must prepare for higher costs. All you need to do is take advantage of the appropriate offer tailored to your needs to enjoy an equally attractive rate, which the freeze on electricity for businesses provided. We have prepared such an offer at Veolia, adapted to the challenges of modern times.
Guaranteed energy price for companies or flexible tariff? Each solution has its advantages and will work in different cases. Freezing prices for small companies means, above all, greater stability, while flexible tariffs give you the chance to buy energy cheaper, but they are associated with some risk. Which option will be the most beneficial in your case? Contact our energy sales advisors and learn more about the offer.
