Politics · Italy · 9 hrs ago
Italian electricity producers accuse government of burdening their sector
Italian electricity producers say government measures have burdened their sector with costs they estimate at €6–7 billion.
The dispute was raised at a meeting of Elettricità Futura, the electricity producers’ group, in Rome.
Producers object to measures including a gas price cap for electricity generation and a planned increase in a regional business tax.
Several energy companies have left Confindustria Energia, saying it did not defend their interests, though they have not left the wider Confindustria business group.
The dispute reflects a divide between electricity producers and companies focused on oil and gas, as producers argue Italy’s reliance on gas leaves it exposed to foreign supply and price risks.
Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto said he would consider their requests when finalising a new decree on energy bills.
The decree was expected to go to the Cabinet, but its timing could change while the government works out the details.
Italian electricity producers say government measures have treated their sector as a source of funds, with interventions amounting to €6 billion to €7 billion.
Elettricità Futura President Salvatore Pinto made the accusation at the group’s assembly in Rome.
The producers also accuse Confindustria Energia of failing to represent their interests, and some energy companies have announced they are leaving the group.
Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto said he would take the electricity sector’s requests into account in a new bill decree.
Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini said the gap between hydropower production costs and the wholesale electricity price was a problem that needed to be resolved.
- Who
- Italian electricity producers represented by Elettricità Futura, including its president Salvatore Pinto.
- What
- They accused the government of burdening their sector and Confindustria Energia of failing to protect their interests.
- When
- The assembly took place on the morning of November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Rome, Italy.
- Why
- They object to measures including a gas price cap for electricity production and an increase in IRAP, a regional business tax.
Elettricità Futura and Italian electricity producers
Confindustria leadership
Representation
Elettricità Futura and Italian electricity producers
Pinto said Confindustria Energia had failed to protect electricity producers and that the sector’s interests were no longer being balanced.
Confindustria leadership
Confindustria Vice President Aurelio Regina said he and Orsini were working for unity and were confident they could ensure everyone felt represented.
Electricity market
Elettricità Futura and Italian electricity producers
Pinto said the government had focused on electricity while paying less attention to other energy sources.
Confindustria leadership
Orsini said hydropower production costs of €25 to €40 per megawatt-hour compared with a wholesale electricity price of €282 showed there was a problem to solve.
Some energy companies announced they were leaving Confindustria Energia.
Elettricità Futura held its assembly in Rome, where Salvatore Pinto criticised government measures and the group’s representation.
Gilberto Pichetto said he expected to take stock of a new bill decree for the Council of Ministers the following day.
- Interventions cited by Pinto
- €6 billion to €7 billion
- Assembly location
- Rome
- Gas price cap measure
- Would require companies to pay the difference between the capped gas price and the market price
- Hydropower production cost cited by Orsini
- €25 to €40 per megawatt-hour
- Wholesale electricity price cited by Orsini
- €282 per megawatt-hour
What people are saying
The electricity sector has been treated by the government as a fund to draw on whenever needed
I should take stock of the measure to bring tomorrow to the Council of Ministers
If hydroelectric power costs 25 to 40 euros per megawatt-hour to produce energy, and today the wholesale electricity price is 282, there is a problem. And we have to solve it.
I am certain we will find ways to make sure everyone feels represented