Monitoring of Energy Legislation September 2025

See the most important legal news in the field of energy for the month of September 2025.

A major amendment to energy legislation has been approved, bringing significant changes for nearly all market participants. We recommend preparing for these changes in advance.

Don’t miss our article „What Can Be Cheaper in Expensive Electricity?” where you can find practical advice and tips on how to save within the individual components of the electricity price.

MoE SR has introduced an amendment to the EIA Act, which will significantly affect the construction of renewable energy facilities. Meanwhile, OKTE has reached an important milestone by launching 15-minute electricity market trading as of 1 October. The government has approved the redistribution of revenues from emission allowances for the years 2026–2028 and has introduced the Targeted Energy Assistance Act, which has already been approved by parliament.

Read more about these and many other interesting news in our monitoring for the month of September 2025, 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

■      Government Amendment on Targeted Energy Assistance

1 October 2025 – The Parliament approved the Government Amendment on Targeted Energy Assistance and on Amendments to Certain Acts.

The purpose of the Act is to replace the general compensation scheme for energy prices, which will end by the end of 2025, with a system of targeted support for households. The Act establishes a legal framework for providing so-called targeted energy assistance to energy households that consume electricity, gas, or heat at regulated prices and whose financial situation (so-called “creditworthiness”) falls below a specified threshold.

According to the Act:

• The right to targeted energy assistance will arise automatically for households that meet the conditions (regulated price consumption and creditworthiness below the threshold), without the need to submit a separate application;
• The emergence and termination of this right will be assessed through interconnection of state information systems, with the possibility of objections in case of incorrect assessment;
• The assistance will be provided in a manner specified by government regulation, mainly either (i) through reduced energy prices (compensated price of electricity, gas, heat), or (ii) through so-called “energy vouchers” – financial means intended for payment of consumption;
• The Ministry will establish a Register of Consumption Points, containing data on households and their energy consumption;
• Households will be notified of the granted assistance via an official notice. If a household does not receive assistance or disagrees with the calculation, it may request information about its assessment and then file an objection within 60 days.

The Act will enter into force on October 10, 2025, and the assistance is to be provided from 2026 onwards. The goal is to protect vulnerable households from a sharp increase in energy prices after the end of crisis regulation.

The draft law was subject to significant debate, as it still does not define specific criteria regarding who will be eligible for the assistance, to what extent, and how it will be provided.

More information on the legislative process and documentation can be found HERE.

■      Major Amendment to Energy Legislation

26 September 2025 - The President of the Slovak Republic signed a major amendment to energy legislation, specifically amending and supplementing the following Acts:

• Act No. 251/2012 Coll. on Energy;
• Act No. 250/2012 Coll. on Regulation in Network Industries;
• Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration;
• Act No. 657/2004 Coll. on Heat Energy;
• Act No. 391/2015 Coll. on Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes and on Amendments to Certain Acts;
• Act No. 51/1988 Coll. on Mining Activities, Explosives, and State Mining Administration;
• Act No. 71/2013 Coll. on the Provision of Subsidies within the Competence of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic.

We informed you about this bill in our April and May 2025 Monitoring. As part of our activities, we are preparing a detailed summary and legal analysis of the adopted changes and their practical impact from the perspective of various market participants (if you are interested in this product, please contact us).

Below, we highlight five key changes worth particular attention:

1.           Electricity Sharing

Electricity sharing is evolving from a “marginal option”, which was previously rarely used, into a fully recognized tool of energy policy. The amendment will allow households, communities, and small businesses to manage their self-generated electricity (e.g., from solar panels) flexibly and legally provide it to other members, even for compensation, after meeting statutory conditions. New institutions are introduced (such as sharing organizers and group sharing managers) as new forms of energy business, aimed at simplifying and ensuring transparency of the process.

2.           Hydrogen Economy

The hydrogen economy is now established as an equal branch of the energy sector, with independently defined concepts, obligations, and rights for network operators. Market access will be regulated by the principle of “negotiated access,” and permits for hydrogen transmission and distribution will be granted similarly to the gas industry, with transitional mechanisms for existing gas sector players.

3.           Energy Communities

The new regulation aims to support local renewable energy projects and energy sharing while preventing misuse of the terms “energy community” by private companies. Previously, participation in such entities was more open; now it is more limited and linked to the public sector. This strengthens the local nature and control – membership is tied to municipalities/self-governing regions and the area where the community is based. A minimum 51% share of public entities is required.

4.           Flexible Connection

Flexible connection refers to a special type of connection of a generation or storage facility to the transmission or distribution network, which allows for restriction and regulation of electricity delivery to or consumption from the grid. The network operator has a general obligation to enable connection regardless of the source’s capacity. This allows new projects to be implemented even in areas with insufficient grid capacity – under a flexible connection agreement, the producer or consumer voluntarily agrees to accept temporary limitations. This reduces the risk of project rejection solely due to a lack of network capacity.

5.           Changes for Energy Suppliers

The amendment also significantly affects energy suppliers’ obligations. Suppliers are now required to inform customers about the type of pricing (whether it is a fixed price, dynamic price, or another form of pricing). When concluding a fixed-term contract with a fixed price, suppliers must also warn customers about possible associated risks. Automatic contract renewals for energy supply will be eliminated – suppliers will now be required to obtain the consumer’s explicit consent, otherwise the contract will terminate. The process of switching electricity and gas suppliers will also be accelerated.

Some parts of the energy legislation amendment will take effect on November 1, 2025, while other provisions will become effective on January 1, 2026, and September 1, 2026. We recommend preparing for these changes well in advance.

The approved version of the amendment is available at this link.

2.2  POLÁČEK & PARTNERS

■      P&P: What can be cheaper in expensive electricity?

In our latest article „What Can Be Cheaper in Expensive Electricity?”, our colleague Jozef Hudák discuss that electricity costs are not formed solely by the price of the commodity itself. A significant portion consists of charges such as TSO (System Operation Tariff in Slovak “TPS”), TSS (System Services Tariff), and various distribution and regulatory fees, which can be optimized.

In the article you will learn in which cases industrial entities can reduce their costs by moving to a more favorable consumption band, utilizing local energy sources, or through PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) contracts. The article offers practical tips on how to save effectively even when the price of electricity itself is rising. It presents insights primarily from the perspective of industrial or large electricity consumers.

The article is available HERE.

2.3  REGULATORY OFFICE FOR NETWORK INDUSTRIES

■      RONI supports green Infrastructure

1 October 2025 – The Regulatory Office for Network Industries (“RONI”) announced its participation in the international SOFIE project, which aims to install new pylons and restore habitats across 270 hectares of land. The goal is to strengthen biodiversity and increase the resilience of the electricity grid to climate change. The €9 million project, 60% financed by the EU, will be implemented in Slovakia between 2026 and 2031.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI invites to the ERRA 2026 Annual Conference in Bratislava

30 September 2025 – RONI announced that the ERRA Annual Conference will take place in Bratislava on April 27–28, 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of both ERRA and RONI. The event will feature discussions on key energy topics – from balancing the market and consumer protection to energy security. RONI notes that the conference will attract regulators, experts, and leaders from around the world to Bratislava.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI: households increased energy consumption in 2024

24 September 2025 – RONI published data for 2024 showing that electricity consumption rose by 8.9% and gas consumption by 5% year-on-year, while heat consumption decreased by 7.6%. RONI explains that the rise in electricity and gas usage is mainly due to increased activity among households and small businesses, whereas the decline in heat consumption may result from users’ energy-saving measures.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI compared gas prices in Slovakia and the Czech Republic

23 September 2025 – RONI pointed out that common claims about higher gas prices in Slovakia compared to the Czech Republic are inaccurate. According to RONI, at low annual consumption, a household in the Czech Republic pays EURO 41 more than in Slovakia, while at medium consumption, the difference is around EURO 29. RONI emphasized that comparing a single “commodity” monthly price without including fixed fees is misleading, and that annual billing shows Slovak prices to be more favorable.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI: successful optimization of circuit breakers brought significant savings and freed capacity

22 September 2025 – RONI announced that the change in calculating the fixed component of the distribution fee, introduced on 1 July 2025, has produced positive results. Optimization of oversized circuit breakers has freed over 45 MW of network capacity.

RONI emphasized that this is not a new fee, but a fairer tariff structure ensuring that each consumer pays according to their actual capacity usage. The resulting savings are estimated at tens of millions of euros.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI: New electricity trading regime effective from October

20 September 2025 – RONI announced that from 1 October 2025, a new electricity trading regime will be introduced in Slovakia. The existing hourly trading model will be replaced by 15-minute trading intervals (MTU), aligning with European practice. The aim is to allow more flexible responses to fluctuations in energy production and consumption, improving planning accuracy and market efficiency.

RONI notes that while the new system brings opportunities, it also presents challenges: shorter intervals mean greater price variability, requiring market participants to adapt their trading strategies and use more advanced forecasting tools. The authority also stressed that transparency and clear communication will be key to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI explains how to avoid pitfalls when changing energy suppliers

12 September 2025 – RONI cautioned consumers that while changing an electricity or gas supplier can bring benefits, it’s important to be careful. In the past year, 8,093 households switched suppliers – the lowest number in recent years.

RONI advises that key steps include verifying the supplier’s license, comparing prices using RONI’s price calculator, contacting at least three suppliers, and checking contract terms and reputation. The change is free of charge but requires termination according to the contract and takes at least 21 days. If a dispute arises, consumers should first contact their supplier; if unresolved, they can turn to RONI.

Read more in this article.

■      RONI reviewed support eligibility for Feed-in Tariffs

11 September 2025 – RONI published a new list of electricity producers pursuant to Sec. 3b (6) of Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on the Support of Renewable Energy Sources and High-Efficiency Cogeneration.

The list includes up-to-date data on registered energy producers who, due to payment arrears during the relevant period, cannot claim entitlement to support. Energy producers eligible for feed-in tariffs are advised to check this list carefully.

The list is available at this link.

■      RONI: reference price and electricity price change coefficient for vulnerable household consumers for 2026

9 September 2025 – RONI published a notice setting the electricity price change coefficient and the reference electricity price for vulnerable household consumers applicable from 2026.

The electricity price change coefficient (kckₜ) for 2026 is set at 1.281147. Based on this, the reference electricity price for vulnerable household consumers is EURO 78.15/MWh.

The notice is available at this link.

2.4  MINISTRY OF ECONOMY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

■      MoE SR reports on the Third Hydrogen Workshop

25 September 2025 – MoE SR together with the National Hydrogen Association of Slovakia, organized the third hydrogen workshop on September 24, 2025, focusing on the transposition of EU directives, the implementation of RED III, as well as fire safety and permitting of buildings with hydrogen technologies.

The event presented findings from the analytical document “Development of the Hydrogen Ecosystem in Slovakia”, which outlines medium- and long-term development scenarios up to 2050. Discussions focused mainly on regulation, standards, safety requirements, and practical challenges in the permitting process for hydrogen installations. The initiative aims to align Slovak legislation with European practices, ensure the safety of hydrogen infrastructure, and support the growth of the hydrogen sector in transport and industry.

Read more about the workshop here.

■      MoE SR: Changes in the Management of state-owned companies

18 September 2025 – MoE SR announced leadership changes in several state enterprises. Adrián Jenčo became Chairman of the Board and CEO of MH Teplárenský holding, his previous position at MH Invest was taken over by Michal Bohunčák, and Robert Spál was appointed as acting Chairman of the Board at MH Manažment.

The changes are related to the resignation of Ján Kluch, who previously chaired the boards of both MH Manažment and MH Teplárenský holding.

Read more about these changes here.

■      MoE SR: Slovakia strengthens bilateral relations to bring added-value solutions

16 September 2025 – MoE SR announced that during the 69^th International Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held on September 15–19 in Vienna, Slovakia focused its negotiations on nuclear energy and low-carbon energy sources.

The main goal was to develop cooperation with partners who can bring added value — whether through technology, expertise, or modernization.

Read more about the discussed topics here.

■      MoE SR: Government of the Slovak Republic approves Nuclear Agreement with the USA

10 September 2025 – MoE SR announced that the Government of the Slovak Republic approved an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation with the United States in the field of civil nuclear energy. The document establishes a framework for the construction of a new nuclear unit at Jaslovské Bohunice, as well as for research support, knowledge exchange, and involvement of Slovak industry. The goal is to strengthen energy security and diversify energy supplies in line with EU policy. According to MoE SR, Slovakia will retain full sovereignty in choosing partners, technologies, and financing methods.

Read more about this information here.

■      MoE SR: Slovakia and Ukraine strengthen energy cooperation

5 September 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková, during her visit to Uzhhorod, held talks with Ukrainian officials on deepening energy cooperation.

Both countries agreed to ensure reliable gas and oil supplies, modernize infrastructure, strengthen cross-border electricity interconnections, and maintain the operation of the Družba oil pipeline. Slovakia has already exported over 2,000 GWh of electricity to Ukraine this year and provided over 60 GWh of emergency assistance. It also expressed support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and interest in participating in projects such as reverse gas flows and gas storage for Ukrainian needs. Further joint talks are expected to continue in Slovakia later this autumn.

Read more about this information here.

2.5  MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

■      MoEN SR: Government draft amendment to the EIA Act regulates construction of renewable energy facilities

23 September 2025 – The Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic (“MoEN SR”) announced that Parliament has approved an amendment to Act No. 24/2006 Coll. on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA Act). The amendment links EIA processes with the new construction legislation, including for renewable energy sources (RES), and aims to eliminate artificial delays in permitting procedures. It also reflects efforts to simplify the deployment of renewables in line with EU Directive RED III.

Key changes include:

• construction and operation projects of renewable energy sources (RES) — including wind and solar power plants — will automatically be considered projects of public interest;
• the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate will act as a special construction authority for unified permitting of renewable energy facilities (excluding hydropower plants), given the specific nature of the process;
• a binding consent of local residents will be required for the construction of wind parks, obtained either through a municipal council decision or a local referendum;
• both SEPS (Slovak Electricity Transmission System Operator) and RONI (Regulatory Office for Network Industries) will need to issue opinions on the project and its grid connection;
• during the permitting process, authorities must take into account that these are activities of nationwide public benefit (energy security, emission reduction, and climate goal achievement);
• a fast-track procedure will be introduced for selected types of renewables (mainly solar and wind), shortening deadlines and removing duplications in permitting processes.

The amendment aims to ensure predictability, efficiency, and stronger democratic oversight in decision-making on projects of national importance. However, it has been widely debated and is seen by some as a potential obstacle to renewable energy development in Slovakia.

The new rules for RES will take effect on 1 November 2025, while certain provisions will enter into force on 1 January 2027.More on the legislative process can be found here, and additional information from the Ministry of the Environment here.

■      MoEN SR: Geothermal Heating to begin in the High Tatras

19 September 2025 –MoEN SR announced that a geothermal energy project in the High Tatras has received a grant of over EURO 746.000 under the so-called Hybrid Call for district heating modernization, managed by the Environmental Fund.

Heat from the existing geothermal well in Veľká Lomnica will be distributed to a golf resort as well as to residential and apartment buildings, significantly improving heating efficiency — from the current 235,36 MWh/year to approximately 505,89 MWh/year.

The project is also expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 144.6 tons per year, marking a step toward cleaner and more sustainable heating. Implementation is planned to be completed within eight months, ensuring that the main heating season is not disrupted.

Read more about this information here.

2.6  SHORT-TERM ELECTRICITY MARKET OPERATOR (OKTE)

■      OKTE: 15-Minute Electricity Market Trading is here

1 October 2025 – OKTE announced that, as of 1 October 2025, trading on the day-ahead electricity market (SDAC) has shifted from hourly blocks to 15-minute intervals. The change affects all day-ahead market participants — producers, traders, and distributors.

The transition brings:

• more accurate pricing based on supply and demand;
• better integration of renewable energy sources;
• more options for portfolio optimization for producers and traders.

Read more about this information here. The change was also reported by RONI and SEPS.

■      OKTE: New ISFU certificates available for download

29 September 2025 - announced that it has made available new certificates for download on its website. These are intended for secure communication and invoicing within the ISFU system.

Read more about this information here.

■      OKTE: New XLS import files for ISFU now available

29 September 2025 – OKTE informed that it has released updated XLS formats for data import within the ISFU system. These files will simplify data exchange processes and ensure that all parties use correct and standardized formats.

Read more about this information here.

■      OKTE: Change in publication of day-ahead market results

26. September 2025 – OKTE announced that, starting 30 September 2025, the method of publishing results on the day-ahead market (DDT) will be adjusted.

The change is related to the implementation of the 15MTU project. The previous 24 hourly blocks per day will be replaced by 15-minute intervals, allowing a more detailed and flexible view of price and consumption developments throughout the day. Market participants will gain faster access to detailed results, matching curves, and market indices — improving planning efficiency and trading transparency.

Read more about the change here.

■      OKTE: Backup Solutions Manual for SDAC

25 September 2025 – OKTE announced the release of a Backup Solutions Manual for the Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) system. The manual provides methodological guidance and recommendations for applying backup solutions during outages, malfunctions, or other non-standard situations in SDAC operation. The document aims to ensure operational resilience, clear procedures, and continuity of grid management in case of system failures.

Read more about the manual here.

■      OKTE: Launch of 15MTU project and new features in the intraday market (VDT) system

23 September 2025 – OKTE announced that on 30 September 2025, at 00:01, new functionalities within the 15MTU project will be launched on the continuous intraday market (VDT).

Key updates include:

• introduction of three new features expanding trading and operational options in the intraday market;
• automatic activation of these features at the designated time, allowing participants to adapt to the change;
• improved efficiency, flexibility, and precision of intraday trading and market operations.

This deployment is part of the broader modernization of trading mechanisms in Slovakia’s electricity market. Read more about this information here.

■      OKTE: ISFU TŠVD version 1.0 available online

23 September 2025 – OKTE announced that TŠVD ISFU Version 1.0 will take effect on 1 December 2025. From November 1, 2025, the changes will already be available in the ISFU test environment for market participants to familiarize themselves with the new functions and procedures.

The aim is to ensure a smooth transition to the new version without interruptions or issues in trading and invoicing. Read more about this information here.

■      OKTE: Client certificate exchange

12 September 2025 – OKTE announced that the MCSC Committee confirmed the 15-minute market time unit (MTU) project within the Single Day-Ahead Coupling (SDAC) will start operating from the trading day of 30 September 2025, with the first deliveries under this system on 1 October 2025.

Read more about this information here.

2.7  SLOVAK ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (SEPS)

■      SEPS published planned volumes of ancillary services for 2026

24 September 2025 – SEPS approved the anticipated volumes of ancillary services (AS) for 2026, necessary to ensure the reliable operation of the transmission system. The values of AS availability were published pursuant to Sec. 44(9) of Decree No. 207/2023 Coll. RONI and will serve as the basis for the preparation of tender procedures.

You can find the values and more information here.

■      SEPS: Tender announced for medium-term procurement of ancillary services for 2026

19 September 2025 – SEPS announced the launch of a tender for the medium-term procurement of ancillary services for the period 1 January – 31 December 2026.Ancillary services are essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the transmission system, particularly in networks with a growing share of renewable energy sources.

The tender aims to ensure that the required services are available in the necessary capacity, quality, and reliability throughout 2026. SEPS also reminds interested parties that the rules and conditions of the tender are publicly available on its website, and participants may apply within the specified deadline.

You can find the tender rules here and more details here.

■      SEPS: launch of 15-Minute trading intervals for the Day-Ahead Electricity Market confirmed

19 September 2025 –SEPS announced that the Market Coupling Steering Committee (MCSC) confirmed the introduction of the 15-minute trading interval (15-MTU) for the day-ahead electricity market (SDAC) starting September 30, 2025, with the first delivery day on October 1, 2025.

SEPS stated that all preparations, including the technical testing phase and system verification, have been successfully completed. The new regime introduces shorter pricing intervals, increasing market efficiency, improving the integration of renewable energy sources, and reducing volatility in generation and consumption.

Read more about this information here.

■      Change in SEPS Operational Code

5 September 2025 – The Slovak Electricity Transmission System (SEPS) published on its website the RONI Decision No. 0014/2025/E-PP dated 3 September 2025, available here.

The amendment to the SEPS Operational Code responds primarily to changes in the behavior of service providers following SEPS’s integration into the PICASSO and MARI platforms at the end of 2024.

Details of the specific changes can be found at this link. SEPS also published information about the new operational code on its official website.

The new SEPS Operational Code is effective as of 1 October 2025.

■      Change in SEPS Technical Conditions – Document B

5 September 2025 – SEPS published on its website the RONI Decision No. 0009/2025/E-TP dated 3 September 2025, available here.

By this decision, RONI amended the technical requirements for regulation services procured by the transmission system operator, as well as the technical requirements for non-frequency ancillary services and the procurement conditions for such services under market-based procedures (Document B of the Technical Conditions).

Information on the new technical conditions has also been published by SEPS on its website.

The amended Document B became effective on 1 October 2025.

2.8  OTHERS

■      New governmental website on Renewable Energy Sources launched

29 September 2025 – The new website www.oze.gov.sk has been launched — a portal providing verified information on renewable energy sources. In its initial phase, the platform focuses on wind energy, its use in Slovakia and abroad, and provides answers to frequently asked questions. The goal is to support an open, fact-based public discussion on sustainable energy.

■      Government approved redistribution of Emission Allowance Revenues for 2026–2028

10 September 2025 – The government approved the proposal by the MoEN SR to redistribute revenues from the auctioning of emission allowances under Sec. 18(9) of Act No. 414/2012 Coll. on Emissions Trading. These revenues will amount to over EURO 929 million during the 2026–2028 period.

Half of the funds will remain in the Environmental Fund, to be used mainly for renovation of public buildings to improve energy efficiency, carbon retention measures in forests and soil, support for industries at risk of carbon leakage, development of public water supply and sewerage systems, and fulfilment of Slovakia’s climate commitments.

Read more about this information here.

You can download the monitoring for the month of September 2025 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.