Monitoring of Energy Legislation May 2026

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

The Government of the Slovak Republic approved an amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings Act, introducing new requirements for zero-emission buildings, building renovations, and the use of renewable energy sources.

The MoE SR prepared a proposal for acceleration areas for wind energy, aimed at streamlining permitting procedures for new projects and supporting the development of wind power in Slovakia.

RONI supported the introduction of dynamic tariffs in line with the new European regulatory framework and assessed compliance with quality standards in the energy sector. OKTE published the National Energy Mix for 2025.

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

We wish you a pleasant reading!

1.    WHAT HAS CHANGED?

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 of the Slovak Republic approved an amendment to the Act on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

6 May 2026 – The Government of the Slovak Republic approved a draft amendment to Act No. 555/2005 Coll. on Energy Efficiency of Buildings, together with a related amendment to the Act on Residential Building Administrators. The proposal must still undergo the legislative process in the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

The amendment transposes the new EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ((EU) 2024/1275) and aims to support the gradual decarbonisation of buildings and the achievement of a zero-emission building stock by 2050.

More information on the government’s draft legislation and the accompanying documentation is available HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

2.2     REGULATORY OFFICE FOR NETWORK INDUSTRIES (RONI)

■      RONI clarifies information on dynamic tariffs

20 May 2026 – RONI responded to media reports concerning the planned introduction of dynamic tariffs and emphasized that no new obligations will arise for household consumers. The regulator stated that dynamic tariffs are intended to be a voluntary option for customers who wish to respond more flexibly to electricity price fluctuations throughout the day.

According to RONI, dynamic tariffs could in the future help consumers reduce their electricity costs, particularly households that are able to shift consumption to lower-priced periods, for example when charging electric vehicles or using smart appliances. The authority also rejected claims that dynamic tariffs would become mandatory or that they would restrict electricity consumption for ordinary consumers.

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

■      RONI: European rules to support the development of dynamic tariffs

15 May 2026 – RONI welcomed the adoption of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/855, which, according to the regulator, creates the technical conditions for the wider deployment of dynamic tariffs and the modernisation of the energy market. The new rules focus primarily on system interoperability and the ability for consumers to switch suppliers within 24 hours.

RONI noted that dynamic pricing is already available in Slovakia, but its broader uptake depends on the development of modern data infrastructure and the rollout of smart metering systems (SMS). According to the regulator, approximately 27,000 consumers used dynamic tariffs in 2025, and further growth is expected as SMS deployment expands and suppliers and distribution companies increase awareness activities.

The regulator also confirmed that dynamic tariffs will remain voluntary for consumers; however, all electricity suppliers will be required to offer them. RONI is continuing discussions on the free replacement of conventional electricity meters with smart metering systems for households and has announced cooperation with OKTE, distribution system operators and suppliers to implement the requirements of the European regulation by the end of 2026.

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

■      RONI assessed compliance with quality standards for 2025

11 May 2026 – RONI announced that it had analysed compliance with quality standards by regulated entities in the supply of electricity, gas, heat and water during 2025. According to the regulator’s findings, compensation payments to consumers were made primarily in the electricity sector, amounting to EUR 479 265,07 with the majority relating to electricity distribution. Compensation payments reached EUR 80 930,85 in the gas sector, EUR 72 606,77 in district heating, and EUR 561,90 in the water sector.

RONI also noted that regulated entities are not allowed to pass compensation payments on to consumers through regulated prices. This mechanism is intended to encourage faster resolution of outages and complaints, while improving the overall quality of services provided to customers. The regulator further highlighted the importance of recent amendments to the quality standards regulations, including changes to procedural deadlines and the removal of upper limits on compensation payments.

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

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

■     MoE SR is preparing acceleration areas for wind energy

The MoE SR is continuing work on the strategic document “Acceleration Areas for Wind Energy in the Slovak Republic”, aimed at identifying suitable locations for wind power development and creating conditions for faster permitting of new projects. The initiative forms part of the implementation of the RED III Directive, Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, and the REPowerEU programme.

The document will designate so-called acceleration areas, where wind energy projects meeting predefined environmental and technical requirements will benefit from a simplified and faster permitting process. Within these areas, permitting procedures are expected to be completed within a maximum of 12 months. At the same time, site-specific conditions and mitigation measures will be established and will have to be respected by project developers.

The strategy is intended to support the development of pilot wind energy areas with a total installed capacity of at least 300 MW, contributing to the milestones of Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. It is also expected to support the national target of approximately 750 MW of installed wind power capacity by 2030.

Site selection will be based on a range of exclusion criteria. National parks, Natura 2000 sites, key bird and bat migration corridors, airport and radar protection zones, and military areas will be excluded from development. A minimum distance of one kilometre from residential areas and the availability of grid connection capacity will also be taken into account.

As part of the ongoing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the Ministry of Environment has already defined the scope of the assessment. The environmental report will be required to evaluate impacts on public health, noise, vibrations, electromagnetic fields, landscape character, biodiversity, bird and bat migration, as well as decommissioning and recycling requirements for wind turbines.

According to the published timetable, the list of acceleration areas is expected to be finalised during May and June 2026. The strategic document and environmental assessment report will subsequently be submitted to the Government of the Slovak Republic for approval, with the overall process expected to be completed in August 2026.

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

2.4     SHORT-TERM ELECTRICITY MARKET OPERATOR (OKTE)

■      OKTE published the National Energy Mix for 2025

29 May 2026 – OKTE published the National Energy Mix for 2025, providing an overview of the sources of electricity supplied to final consumers in Slovakia. The data form part of the electricity Guarantees of Origin system and are intended to ensure transparent information on the origin of electricity consumed by customers.

According to the published National Energy Mix, electricity generated from nuclear fuel accounted for the largest share of electricity supplied in Slovakia in 2025. The published figures serve as a basis for electricity suppliers to fulfil their information obligations towards customers and provide insight into the actual composition of Slovakia’s electricity generation mix.

More information is available in the OKTE announcement HERE. (Available also in the English language version)

■      New amendment to the OKTE Operation Order effective from 28 May 2026

27 May 2026 – OKTE announced that a further amendment to the OKTE Operation Order entered into force on 28 May 2026, following approval by RONI through its decision of 26 May 2026.

The amendment follows previous public consultations and adjustments to the rules governing the operation of the short-term electricity market and related OKTE processes. The published documents include both the regulator’s decision and the updated version of the Operation Order.

More information is available in the OKTE announcement HERE. (Available also in the English language version)

■      OKTE: Minimum day-ahead market price to decrease to EUR -600/MWh

7 May 2026 – OKTE announced that, effective from 28 May 2026, the harmonised minimum price on the Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) market will be reduced from the current EUR -500/MWh to EUR -600/MWh.

The change was approved in accordance with the European rules governing the single electricity market and reflects the increasing occurrence of negative electricity prices across Europe.

More information is available in the OKTE announcement HERE. (Available also in the English language version)

2.5     SLOVAK ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (SEPS)

■      SEPS published procurement rules for ancillary services for the second half of 2026

25 May 2026 – SEPS published the procurement rules for the purchase of ancillary services for the period from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2026. The document sets out the conditions and procedures for procuring ancillary services required to ensure the stability and secure operation of the electricity transmission system. The published materials also include the rules for individual procurement procedures and the related tender documentation.

SEPS continues to organise both short-term and medium-term procurement procedures through the Damas Energy platform, with the procurement of ancillary services for the second half of 2026 divided into several procurement rounds.

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

■     SEPS launched public consultations on system operation and ancillary services

19 May 2026 – SEPS announced the launch of several public consultations concerning the operation of the Slovak electricity system and the procurement of ancillary services.

The public consultation on the proposed amendment to the Dispatching Code for the operation of the Slovak electricity system ran from 20 May to 2 June 2026. Further details are available HERE.

At the same time, SEPS opened a public consultation on the Strategy for Ensuring a Sufficient Volume of Ancillary Services for 2027. The consultation ran from 19 May to 26 May 2026 and is intended to establish the framework for procuring ancillary services necessary for the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system. Further details are available HERE. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     SEPS announced a monthly procurement procedure for ancillary services for June 2026

14 May 2026 – SEPS announced that a procurement procedure for ancillary services (AS) for the period from 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 was published in the Damas Energy information system on 18 May 2026. The procurement forms part of SEPS’s regular short-term purchasing activities aimed at securing the ancillary services necessary for the stable and secure operation of the electricity transmission system.

SEPS had also announced in April 2026 a medium-term procurement procedure for ancillary services covering the period from 1 June 2026 to 31 December 2026, indicating the continued use of both monthly and multi-month procurement mechanisms to ensure the availability of ancillary services.

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

3.    THE OTHERS

■     The Environmental Fund launched a call for applications for compensation of indirect ETS costs for 2025

18 May 2026 – The Environmental Fund has launched Call K-1/2026, under which compensation will once again be provided to companies facing increased electricity costs resulting from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The state aid scheme is financed from revenues generated by the auctioning of emission allowances and aims to mitigate the impact of indirect ETS costs on energy-intensive industries while preventing carbon leakage, i.e. the relocation of production outside the European Union.

The call follows previous years of the compensation scheme and covers eligible costs incurred in 2025, with applications to be submitted in 2026. Small, medium-sized and large enterprises operating in selected energy-intensive sectors may apply, including manufacturers of aluminium, iron and steel, paper, pulp, basic inorganic chemicals, refined petroleum products, as well as certain segments of plastics, glass fibres and industrial gases production.

Applications for compensation relating to 2025 costs must be submitted no later than 20 July 2026. On 20 May 2026, the Environmental Fund also made the electronic application form available through the GRANT information system, which serves as the platform for submitting applications. The application form, call documentation and related materials are available on the Environmental Fund’s website and in the GRANT information system. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     SAPI submitted a complaint to the European Commission regarding the regulatory framework for battery energy storage systems

13 May 2026 – The Slovak Association for Sustainable Energy Industry (“SAPI”) has informed that it has submitted a complaint to the European Commission requesting a review of Slovak regulations which, according to the association, disproportionately restrict standalone battery energy storage systems from providing ancillary services to the electricity grid.

SAPI particularly criticizes the fact that standalone battery storage systems are, in its view, effectively excluded from the ancillary services market procured by SEPS. According to the association, this may limit competition and increase costs for electricity consumers. SAPI also points to the insufficient transparency of the underlying study on which the current restrictions are based.

According to SAPI, technical limitations of battery storage systems should be addressed through clear technical requirements and certification rules rather than by broadly excluding the technology from the market. The association further notes that standalone battery storage systems are commonly used for the provision of ancillary services in several other EU Member States.

Further information is available on the SAPI website. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

■     The Constitutional Court annulled part of the rules governing heat cost allocation for disconnected apartments

6 May 2026 – The Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic issued its judgment (case No. PL. ÚS 1/2026-53), finding that certain provisions of Decree No. 503/2022 Coll. of MoE SR are inconsistent with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and the Act on Thermal Energy.

The challenged provisions (§ 7(5) and § 8(4) and (5) of the decree) require owners of apartments disconnected from a central heating system to continue contributing to the fixed component of heating costs.

The Constitutional Court concluded that Act No. 657/2004 Coll. on Thermal Energy does not clearly and explicitly provide that such an obligation should also apply to owners of disconnected apartments. Consequently, the Ministry exceeded the scope of its statutory authorization by introducing this obligation through secondary legislation rather than directly in the law.

At the same time, the Court emphasized that the underlying concept of requiring owners of disconnected apartments to contribute proportionately to certain heating-related costs—such as heat transfers between apartments and the heating of common areas—may be legitimate. However, such an obligation must be established expressly and predictably by an act of parliament, rather than solely through a ministerial decree.

The contested provisions will cease to be effective on the date the judgment is published in the Collection of Laws of the Slovak Republic. The MoE SR will then have six months to bring the relevant legislation into compliance with the Constitutional Court’s ruling.

Further details can be found in the Constitutional Court’s judgment. (Available only in the Slovak language version)

You can download the monitoring for the month of May 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.