Businesses and Farmers Must Submit Declarations by June 30 to Avoid Expensive Electricity

The mechanism protecting electricity consumers imposes an obligation on selected groups of entities to actively confirm their status as eligible customers. This group primarily includes micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs, as well as public utility institutions and individual farmers. The document takes the form of a declaration confirming that the conditions for billing at the maximum price are met. Failure to fulfill this obligation by June 30, 2026, will result in an automatic switch to market rates. Electricity suppliers are not authorized to independently extend protection without a written declaration from the end consumer, making the upcoming date a non-negotiable deadline for maintaining the financial stability of many Polish companies. Experts warn that ignoring this deadline could lead to a sharp increase in operational costs, which in the current market situation is particularly dangerous for smaller entities. The system of freezing energy prices in Poland was introduced as an emergency measure after 2022 in the face of an energy crisis triggered by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and high carbon dioxide emission prices. The agricultural sector, including owners of energy-intensive cold storage facilities and farms, is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of missing this deadline. The nature of production activity generates massive power demand, and the lack of a proper entry in supplier systems could lead to a loss of farm profitability in a short time. Parallel to the business protection system, the state is implementing support programs for individuals requiring specialized medical care. PFRON is accepting applications for a 600 PLN subsidy towards bills for individuals using oxygen concentrators or respirators. In this case, the procedure is much less time-restrictive, as applications under the "Independence – Activity – Mobility!" program can be submitted until December 31, 2026. However, these recipients must meet specific medical and formal criteria to obtain a refund for the energy costs consumed by life-saving equipment. The mentioned declarations for businesses and farmers can be submitted in two ways: traditional postal mail or electronically. In the case of the digital form, it is necessary to have a qualified electronic signature or a trusted profile. The sharp increase in energy prices affecting unprepared entities results not only from raw material purchase costs but also from market dynamics within the EU ETS system. For farmers and small businesses, maintaining preferential rates is currently the only effective buffer against high cost inflation, which could force many entrepreneurs to reduce production or raise prices for goods and services offered. The June 30 deadline is final and cannot be reinstated through administrative procedures.

Perspektywy mediów: Emphasizes the necessity of social support and protecting the weakest and small companies from energy price market dictates. Highlights the market basis for electricity prices and the need for entrepreneurs to fulfill bureaucratic obligations on time.