The Spanish government announced on Thursday a new three billion euro aid plan for households facing soaring energy prices. this plan notably includes a regulated tariff for households depending on collective gas heating. These measures, which come on top of several plans to support purchasing power, announced in recent months, will make it possible to “strengthen the protection of citizens” in the face of the energy crisis, assured Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister Socialist, during a speech to Congress. With a total amount of “nearly three billion euros”, they will be adopted Tuesday in the Council of Ministers and will benefit “in total to almost 40% of Spanish households”, specified Sanchez.
This new support plan provides, in particular, for the establishment of a new regulated tariff for condominiums equipped with collective gas boilers, strongly impacted by the soaring prices. This regulated tariff, in force “until the end of 2023”, will concern 1.7 million households, which will see their bill reduced by more than half compared to current market conditions, explained the Head of Government. .
The government plan also provides for an increase in the energy check, which will benefit the 1.3 million most vulnerable households, already affected by this system, but also 1.5 million families with limited incomes, who were until now excluded. . Spain, faced like all European countries with soaring inflation, has multiplied measures in recent months to support purchasing power, such as fuel subsidies and the payment of part of the public transport subscriptions.
The total amount of these various aid plans was estimated last summer at nearly 30 billion euros. by Sanchez, or the equivalent of 2.3% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Sami Nemli with agencies / Les Inspirations ECO