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13 MAY 2026

Monitoring of Energy Legislation April 2026

 

Author of the article

Nikoleta Kakusová

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Tomáš Siskovič

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

See the most important legal news in the field of energy for the month of April 2026.

RONI has launched extensive regulatory and legislative changes in the energy sector by initiating public consultation procedures on several key decrees that significantly affect the rules of the electricity and gas markets, as well as price regulation. At the same time, it has decided to increase gas transmission tariffs effective as of 1 May 2026.

The Government has approved an amendment to the regulation on targeted energy aid, as well as adjustments to the levy paid to the National Nuclear Fund, reflecting the situation of energy-intensive undertakings.

A new Operation Order of OKTE entered into force on 1 May 2026, together with changes to the system of guarantees of origin, including a new auction format.

At P&P, we have prepared an article providing our perspective on the potential of on-site PPAs as a tool for reducing electricity costs, despite persisting regulatory barriers.

Read more about these and many other interesting news in our monitoring for the month of April 2026, which you can also download in PDF format.

We wish you a pleasant reading!

1.        WHAT HAS CHANGED?

ELECTRIC ENERGY AND GAS INDUSTRY
Act no. 309/2009 Coll. on the support of RESno
Act no. 250/2012 Coll. on Regulationno
Act no. 251/2012 Coll. on Energyno
Act no. 321/2014 Coll. on energy efficiencyno
Act no. 609/2007 Coll. on excise duty on electricity, coal and natural gasno
Act no. 555/2005 Coll. on energy efficiency of buildingsno
Act no. 260/2025 Coll. on Targeted Energy Assistanceno
RONI Decree no. 490/2009 Coll., laying down details on the support of RESno
RONI Decree no. 92/2023 Coll., laying down the conditions of the tender procedure for the provision of electricity storage facility servicesno
RONI Decree no. 207/2023 Coll., establishing the rules for the functioning of the internal electricity market no
RONI Decree no. 208/2023 Coll., establishing the rules for the functioning of the internal natural gas market no
RONI Decree no. 230/2023 Coll., establishing the content requirements of the distribution system development planno
RONI Decree no. 285/2012 Coll., establishing price regulation for the supply of natural gas to small businessesno
Vyhláška ÚRSO č. 147/2024 Z. z., ktorou sa ustanovuje cenová regulácia regulovaných činností v plynárenstveno
RONI Decree no. 154/2024 Coll., establishing price regulation in electric energy industry and some conditions for the performance of selected regulated activities in the electric energy industryno
RONI Decree no. 278/2012 Coll., establishing quality standards for gas storage, gas transportation, gas distribution and gas supplyno
RONI Decree no. 236/2016 Coll., establishing quality standards for electricity transmission, electricity distribution and electricity supplyno
RONI Decree no. 284/2012 Coll. on the rules for the sale of electricity in the form of auctionsno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 599/2009 Coll., implementing certain provisions of the Act on the support of RESno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 270/2012 Coll. on professional competence for carrying out business activities in the energy sectorno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 416/2012 Coll., establishing the details of the procedure for applying restrictive measures in a state of emergency and measures aimed at eliminating the state of emergency in the electric energy industryno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 106/2019 Coll., establishing the list of authorized industries, the scope and structure of the administration and the method of providing compensation to entrepreneursno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 202/2019 Coll., establishing the conditions for participation in the auction for the selection of the electricity purchaser and determining the amount of the electricity purchaser's remunerationno
Decree of the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic no. 354/2025 Coll. on criteria for the development of wind energyno
Government Regulation of the Slovak Republic no. 353/2025 Coll., implementing certain provisions of the Act on targeted energy support.yes
Government Regulation no. 359/2025 Coll., establishing the maximum price for a portion of the regulated supply of electricity, gas, and heat for selected vulnerable customers for the year 2026.no
THERMAL ENERGY
Act no. 657/2004 Coll., on thermal energyno
RONI Decree no. 312/2022 Coll., establishing price regulation in thermal energyno
RONI Decree no. 277/2012 Coll., establishing heat supply quality standardsno
RONI Decree no. 328/2005 Coll., determining the method of verifying the economic efficiency of the operation of the heating facilities system, the energy efficiency indicators of heat production and heat distribution facilities, the normative indicators of heat consumption, the range of economically justified costs for the verification of the economic efficiency of the operation of the heating facilities system and the method of payment of these costsno
Vyhláška ÚRSO č. 146/2024 Z. z., ktorou sa ustanovuje rozsah ekonomicky oprávnených nákladov vyvolaných odpojením sa odberateľa od sústavy tepelných zariadení dodávateľa a spôsob ich výpočtuno
RONI Decree no. 167/2025 Coll., establishing application templates for conducting business in the heat energy sectorno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 151/2005 Coll., establishing the procedure for preventing the occurrence and removing the consequences of a state of emergency in the thermal energy industryno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 152/2005 Coll. on the specified time and on the specified quality of heat supply for the end consumerno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 15/2016 Coll., establishing the method of calculating the annual heat production in the production of electricityno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 503/2022 Coll., establishing the temperature of hot water at the take-off point and the rules for budgeting costs for the amount of heat supplied in hot water, costs for the amount of heat supplied for heating, costs for the amount of heat supplied or the amount of heat produced in a decentralized heat source and economically justified costs for heat produced in a decentralized heat sourceno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 308/2016 Coll. establishing the procedure for calculating the primary energy factor of the centralized heat supply systemno
Decree of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic no. 14/2016 Coll., establishing technical requirements for thermal insulation of heat and hot water distribution systemsno

Note: In our monitoring of energy legislation, we monitor for you the changes to the above-mentioned legal regulations, which were published in the Collection of Laws of the Slovak Republic last month.

2.        YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED

2.1     APPROVED LEGISLATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

■     The Government adopts an amendment to targeted energy aid scheme

29 April 2026 – The Government of the Slovak Republic approved an amendment to Government Regulation No. 68/2026, which supplements Government Regulation No. 353/2025 Coll., implementing certain provisions of the Act on Targeted Energy Aid, as amended.

The amendment is of a technical and implementation nature and reflects findings from practical application, in particular in relation to the reassessment of eligibility for energy aid and the delivery of energy vouchers in 2026.

The changes mainly concern:

clarification of the rules for the delivery of energy vouchers (now only to adults);

adjustment of the value of energy vouchers in 2026 in line with the system’s ramp-up phase;

introduction of clearer rules for situations where, following reassessment, entitlement arises or ceases as of 1 May 2026, including the possibility of settling differences in subsequent vouchers.

The aim of the amendment is to simplify the practical implementation of the targeted energy aid scheme during the transitional year 2026, without significant impacts on public finances or the business environment. The amendment enters into force on the date of its promulgation, i.e. 1 May 2026.

More information is available HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     Government approves material on the development of wind energy in Slovakia

22 April 2026 – The Government of the Slovak Republic adopted a material aimed at ensuring the fulfilment of the objectives of the Recovery and Resilience Plan in the field of renewable energy sources, specifically wind energy. The core of the material is the preparation of a strategic document entitled “Acceleration Areas for Wind Energy in the Slovak Republic”, which is intended to identify so-called “go-to areas”, i.e. territories suitable for the accelerated development of wind power projects.

More information is available HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     Government adopts amendment to regulation on the levy to the National Nuclear Fund

22 April 2026 – The Government of the Slovak Republic adopted an amendment to Government Regulation No. 21/2019 Coll., which governs the amount and mechanism of the levy used to cover the historical debt from supplied electricity.

The amendment primarily responds to the need to address situations of energy-intensive undertakings whose operations were interrupted (e.g. due to crisis events) and subsequently resumed, where the previous framework did not allow them to fairly apply a reduced (effective) levy rate. The amendment therefore introduces a mechanism enabling such undertakings, upon resumption of their activities, to base the calculation of the effective levy rate on historical data from before the interruption. At the same time, it precisely defines the conditions for interruption and resumption of activities, as well as notification obligations towards the ministry and system operators.

The amendment was promulgated in the Collection of Laws as Government Regulation No. 66/2026 Coll. and entered into force on 29 April 2026.

More information is available HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.2     POLÁČEK & PARTNERS

■      P&P: On-site PPA as an opportunity for cheaper electricity and renewable energy development

21 April 2026 – In our latest article, we explored the concept of on-site PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), which represent the direct supply of electricity from a renewable energy source located within the consumer’s premises. This model enables companies to achieve lower electricity costs by avoiding part of the regulated charges, while also ensuring greater price stability and cost predictability.

At the same time, the article highlights that despite its clear economic and environmental benefits, on-site PPAs cannot currently be implemented effectively in Slovakia. The main reasons are existing legislative and regulatory barriers. In conclusion, we emphasise that establishing a clear legal framework for on-site PPAs could significantly support the development of renewable energy sources, increase the energy independence of businesses, and strengthen their competitiveness, while also contributing to the fulfilment of obligations arising from EU law.

More details are available in our article HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.3     REGULATORY OFFICE FOR NETWORK INDUSTRIES (RONI)

■      RONI: new decrees within interdepartmental consultation

17 April 2026 – RONI informs that interdepartmental consultation procedures have been launched on the Slov-Lex portal for four draft decrees in the fields of electricity and gas.

Specifically, the proposals concern amendments to decrees on:

The consultation procedures were carried out within the standard period of 15 working days, from 17 April 2026 to 11 May 2026.

From a practical perspective, this represents an important legislative package that may significantly affect regulatory frameworks in the electricity and gas sectors (including pricing and market rules). We therefore recommend paying increased attention to these proposals and considering active participation in the consultation process. We will continue to keep you informed of further developments.

More information is available in the press release HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■      RONI: Gas transmission tariffs to increase from May 2026

13 April 2026RONI issued price decision No. 0040/2026/P for eustream, introducing adjustments to tariffs for access to the transmission network and gas transmission as of 1 May 2026. According to available information, this represents an increase of approximately 10% in transmission fees (around +€0.19/MWh).

The price adjustment is primarily driven by a significant decline in transported gas volumes, mainly due to the suspension of transit via Ukraine, which has substantially affected the utilisation of the transmission infrastructure. While eustream originally requested a much higher increase (exceeding 70%), RONI approved a more moderate rise. Transmission tariffs account for only a small portion of the final gas price (in the range of a few percent).

The decision also confirms the continuing pressure on price regulation resulting from changing gas flows and lower utilisation of the transmission network, which will primarily affect wholesale and cross-border transmission relationships. More details are available in the price decision HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

      RONI changes mandatory reporting method for electricity producers (as of 1 April 2026)

9 April 2026 – RONI informs that, as part of streamlining data collection, it has changed the method for submitting mandatory reports by electricity producers under Act No. 251/2012 Coll. on Energy, effective from 1 April 2026.

Under the new system, producers are required to submit data exclusively via an online form.

The obligation to provide data arises from Act No. 251/2012 Coll. on Energy, pursuant to which producers must annually, by 30 May, submit to the authority data for the previous year, expected data for the current year, and planned data for the following year. This includes, in particular, information on electricity generation in their own facilities, own consumption (including consumption during generation), as well as the supply of generated electricity.

More information is available in the press release HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.4     MINISTRY OF ECONOMY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC (MoE SR)

■     MoE SR: Government adopts measures to secure gas supplies for winter 2026/2027

29 April 2026 – MoE SR announced in a press release that the Government of the Slovak Republic has approved a package of key measures aimed at ensuring sufficient gas supplies for the upcoming heating season 2026/2027.

The objective of the adopted measures is to strengthen Slovakia’s energy security and minimise risks associated with potential disruptions in gas supply. The material primarily focuses on ensuring adequate filling of gas storage facilities, diversification of supply sources, and creating conditions for the stable functioning of the gas market.

More information is available in the press release HERE, as well as in the Government meeting materials HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     MoE SR: European Commission presents “Accelerate EU” package to mitigate energy prices

24 April 2026 – MoE SR informed that the European Commission has presented to Member States a package of measures entitled “Accelerate EU”, aimed at addressing rising energy prices driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. According to available data, EU expenditure on energy commodity imports has increased by approximately €23 billion, while supply remains tight for certain products (such as diesel and aviation fuel).

The package covers a broad range of measures – spanning energy, transport, investment, taxation, and state aid rules. Particular attention is given to mitigating the impact of high electricity prices on businesses, including consideration of instruments such as direct compensation, tax reductions, and more flexible use of existing EU funding mechanisms.

More information is available in the press release HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     MoE SR: Resumption of oil supplies via the Družba pipeline

23 April 2026 – MoE SR announced that, in the early morning hours (around 2:00 a.m.), oil deliveries to Slovakia via the Družba pipeline were resumed. Supplies are currently proceeding in accordance with the agreed schedule and technical pumping parameters.

More information is available in the press release HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.5     SHORT-TERM ELECTRICITY MARKET OPERATOR (OKTE)

■      OKTE: Guarantees of Origin – New auction format and opening of the sell-side to the Market

29 April 2026 – OKTE announced the introduction of a new auction format for electricity guarantees of origin, along with the opening of the sell-side to a broader market. This represents a significant shift in how the guarantees of origin system operates in Slovakia.

The key changes include in particular:

  • an adjustment of the auction mechanism to better reflect current market needs and increase the efficiency of allocating guarantees of origin;
  • broader access to the purchase of guarantees of origin, enabling a wider range of participants to actively engage in trading;
  • enhanced transparency and market liquidity, as the new model is intended to support a more competitive environment and improved price signals;
  • integration with the development of EDC and the ongoing digitalisation of processes being implemented by OKTE throughout 2026.

Further details are available in the official announcement on OKTE’s website. (Available also in the English language version)

■      OKTE: New Operation Order effective from 1 May 2026

29 April 2026 – OKTE announced the entry into force of a new Operation Order as of 1 May 2026. The updated rules reflect current developments in the electricity market and build on previous legislative and procedural changes within the Energy Data Centre (EDC).

The amendment follows a broader package of updates implemented within year 2026, including new EDC functionalities and a prior public consultation on the proposed changes to the Operation Order.

The current version of the OKTE Operation Order is available online HERE (Available only in the Slovak language version).

Further details can be found in the official announcement on OKTE’s website. (Available also in the English language version)

■      OKTE: Obligation to conclude a Contract for sharing group administrators (Notice No. 2)

22 April 2026 – OKTE published an additional notice (the second in sequence) regarding the statutory obligation of sharing group administrators to conclude a Contract on the Evaluation of Electricity Sharing. This obligation stems from the amendment to Act No. 251/2012 Coll. on Energy.

The contract constitutes a necessary condition for the operation of electricity sharing groups and is concluded via the EDC (Energy Data Centre) system.

Building on its previous communication, OKTE again emphasizes that without concluding this contract, it will not be possible to establish or modify sharing groups. A deadline has been set, after which compliance becomes mandatory – as of 1 June 2026, no sharing group may be created or amended without a duly concluded Contract on the Evaluation of Electricity Sharing.

Further details are available in the official announcement on OKTE’s website. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.6     SLOVAK ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (SEPS)

■     SEPS: Public Consultation on transmission system development scenarios (2028–2037)

29 April 2026 – SEPS launched a public consultation on the document “Scenarios for the Ten-Year Transmission System Development Plan for 2028–2037”, which serves as a basis for the preparation of the future investment and development plan of the transmission system.

The consultation runs from 30 April 2026 to 15 May 2026.

Stakeholders may submit their comments during this period via the form published by SEPS, electronically to the designated email address. The document reflects the statutory obligations of the transmission system operator in planning system development under applicable energy legislation.

The consultation document is available online (Available only in the Slovak language version).

Further information can be found on SEPS’s website. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■      SEPS: Amendment to the Operational Rules approved by the RONI

17 April 2026 – SEPS informed that RONI issued Decision No. 0003/2026/E-PP on 2 April 2026, approving an amendment to the Operational Rules of the transmission system operator (TSO).

The public consultation on the proposed changes took place in January 2026, and we previously informed you about the planned amendments in our January monitoring.

The approved changes primarily concern flexible connection and more efficient use of connection capacity, reflecting increasing demands for optimising the utilisation of the transmission system. In addition, the amendment introduces updates to contractual procedures, clarifies sanction mechanisms, and revises related forms. It also includes additional information on planned capacity auctions.

Further details are available in the official information, and the decision is accessible online. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.7     CALLS

■     Call MoF-3/2025 – Renewable Energy Production

The Environmental Fund has updated the documentation related to the Modernization Fund call aimed at supporting RES generation and high-efficiency combined heat and power generation (CHP). New guidelines and documents for beneficiaries are now available. More information can be found at this link and this link. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     Call MoF-5/2026 – Modernization of the Heating Industry

Annexes to the beneficiary guidelines have been published in connection with the call focused on the modernization of energy systems, particularly in the areas of heating, CHP, heat/cooling distribution systems, including energy storage and improvements in energy efficiency.

The expected allocation is up to EUR 150 million.

 The documents are available directly HERE, and further information about the call is available at this link. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     Expected Call – RES and Electricity Storage

A new Modernization Fund call is being prepared to support electricity generation from RES, electricity storage, and renewable hydrogen production.

The expected allocation is up to EUR 150 million annually, with an aid intensity of 30 - 50 %.

The support is intended to cover both new construction projects and the modernization of existing facilities. The launch of the call is expected in Q1–Q2 2027, while consultations are taking place during 2026. The form for submission of investment proposals is available at this link. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     Programme Slovakia – RES in the Banská Bystrica Region

In 2026, a call is expected to support facilities for electricity generation from RES and green hydrogen, including smart energy systems and energy storage solutions. The call will target projects located in the Banská Bystrica Region. The call schedule is available at this link. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

This section of the monitoring report was prepared in cooperation with EOSNEBOTRA, a.s.


You can download the monitoring for the month of April 2026 in PDF format here.

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Legal notice

The information provided to the subscriber as part of the monitoring of energy legislation is not a source of legally binding legislation, as only the collection of laws of the Slovak Republic contains the legally binding wording of the legislation in terms of the legal code of the Slovak Republic. The information provided to the subscriber is only informative and does not replace legal service pursuant to the Act no. 586/2003 Coll. on advocacy. The law firm POLÁČEK & PARTNERS s.r.o. is not responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided in the energy legislation monitoring. In case of questions regarding the information provided to the subscriber, the subscriber can ask the law firm POLÁČEK & PARTNERS s.r.o. for the provision of legal services for this purpose.


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