Inflation has taken its toll on Poles. Significant increases in energy prices have not only affected businesses. The government has decided to implement another shield, freezing maximum electricity rates for households at PLN 0.50 net per kilowatt-hour until the end of last year.
This decision is intended to protect household budgets while also preparing a solid foundation for more favorable tariffs this year. Lower energy prices mean not only lower bills but also cheaper charging of electric cars, which is extremely important for the dynamically growing electromobility market in Poland.
How does the price freeze work and what are its limitations?
The Minister of Climate and Environment, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, explained that due to the tight parliamentary schedule, the price freeze for the fourth quarter of 2025 was introduced as an amendment to the law liberalizing regulations regarding the construction of onshore wind energy. Although this bill is subject to the risk of presidential veto, its swift passage is crucial for the further development of renewable energy sources in Poland.
Importantly, the price freeze only affected the electricity purchase rate. From mid-2025, the capacity fee, approximately PLN 11 per month, will be reinstated on bills. This fee supports the operation of coal-fired power plants and the development of new gas-fired sources. The Minister emphasized that it is crucial to maintain the energy price at approximately PLN 500 per megawatt-hour, thereby avoiding sharp increases.
Tariffs for 2026 – what can we expect?
In Poland, household tariffs are approved at the end of December based on average exchange contract prices throughout the year. The Energy Regulatory Office also takes into account the costs of green energy certificates and the consumption profile of consumers who use electricity more often in the evenings, when it is more expensive. Historically, regulated tariffs have been approximately 10% higher than average exchange prices.
Analysis of data from the first half of 2025 indicates that the average price of BASE_Y_2026 contracts is approximately PLN 425/MWh. Assuming this trend continues, the G11 tariff for 2026 could be approximately PLN 470/MWh, or PLN 0.47 net per kilowatt-hour. Currently, the tariff is approximately PLN 0.63, but thanks to government subsidies, customers pay approximately PLN 0.50. This means that in 2026, even without a price freeze, bills could be lower than in the previous year.
Declining energy prices in industry and benefits for electromobility
Declining energy costs are already visible in industry: electricity bills for large consumers have decreased by nearly 31% compared to the beginning of 2023, and after accounting for inflation, the real decrease is as much as 35%.
Lower electricity rates also mean benefits for electric car owners. Cheaper EV charging is an important element in promoting electromobility, which is one of the pillars of the global energy transformation. Stable and predictable electricity prices encourage people to choose electric vehicles and invest in charging infrastructure, which is crucial for market development.
What about the obligation to submit new tariffs and what's next?
However, we can already hope that in 2026 the tariffs will be much more favorable than last year's, which will translate into cheaper charging of electric cars at home stations.
FAQ
- Will electricity be cheaper in 2026?
Yes. Forecasts indicate that the G11 tariff could drop to approximately 0.47 PLN net/kWh, which is below the 2025 level—even after the price freeze ends.
- How much will it cost to charge an electric car at home in 2026?
At a rate of approximately 0.47 PLN/kWh, the cost of fully charging a 50 kWh battery will be approximately 23.50 PLN, which is less than in 2025.
- Is it worth buying a home charger for an electric car?
Yes—your own charger allows you to charge your car at the cheapest price, control your energy consumption, and take advantage of the lowest tariff. In 2026, the investment will pay off even faster thanks to lower electricity prices.
- Does the energy price freeze affect the cost of EV charging?
Yes. Freezing prices until the end of 2025 stabilizes the market and allows for lower future tariffs, which directly translates into cheaper electric car charging.
- Can energy prices for industry affect prices for households?
Yes. Price declines in the industrial sector—by approximately 31%—indicate a general improvement in the energy market, which usually translates into better tariffs for individual consumers.
