Karol Nawrocki has signed the „Cheap Power -33%” initiative, which is meant to significantly lower electricity bills for all Poles. Will the law take effect, what must happen first, and when can we expect cheaper power? Find out which scenarios are possible and what the presidential bill contains.
Will „Cheap Power -33%” Become a Reality?
The „Cheap Power -33%” bill provides for freezing electricity prices at a level favourable to households – about PLN 500 per MWh net until the end of 2025.
When Could the Law Take Effect?
According to the latest information, the draft law has already been sent to the Sejm and is awaiting consideration. In practice, this means several necessary steps:
- Opinion of the Legislative Bureau
- Vote in the Sejm
- Decision of the Senate
- Final signature of the President
What Must Happen for the Law to Take Effect?
Legislative Process – Formalities and Politics
The law faces several formal requirements. The bill must obtain:
- A positive opinion from the Legislative Bureau.
- Support from a parliamentary majority.
- No formal errors, or any errors must be corrected.
A Potential Compromise Between the President and the Government
A scenario in which the prime minister backs the president’s bill in exchange for other solutions is possible – especially since earlier energy projects (e.g. the wind farm law) were subject to political bargaining and personnel vetoes. The government could support Nawrocki’s bill if it gains backing for other laws that are key for it.
Will Parliament Agree?
Support for cheaper electricity is high among both politicians and citizens – a poll confirms this, with as many as 56% of Poles in favour of signing a law guaranteeing frozen energy prices. However, political games may prolong the legislative process.
What Are the Assumptions of the „Cheap Power -33%” Law?
- Electricity bills for households would remain frozen at PLN 500/MWh net until the end of 2026.
- The law provides for compensation for energy sellers financed from the COVID-19 fund
- Households on tariff G stand to gain the most – the reduction applies to both the single-zone G11 tariff and the two-zone G12 tariff.
- Distribution fees remain unchanged, and the capacity fee for tariff G is PLN 0.
Key Points of the Law
- Freezing of energy prices until the end of 2026
- Compensation for electricity sellers
- No changes to the compensation mechanism
- Protection of the poorest households through additional support (e.g. the heating voucher)
Possible Political Scenarios
- Fast-track legislation – passage by the Sejm and Senate, and the President’s signature by the end of September.
- Political compromise – government support for the bill in exchange for signing a law that is key for the government.
- Delayed procedure – if formal errors or additional conditions from the government appear.
- Political wrangling over details – possibility of amendments by parliament, which would prolong implementation.
Table: Key legislative scenarios
| Scenario | Chance of implementation | Waiting time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick passage | High | 2-4 weeks |
| Political compromise | Medium | 1-2 months |
| Amendments/parliamentary games | Medium | 2+ months |
Will Electricity Become Cheaper?
If the law passes the Sejm and Senate and the president signs it, Poles should expect lower bills as early as the first quarter of 2026. Assuming the price is frozen at PLN 500/MWh, savings for an average family could reach around 30-33% compared with current rates.
Summary
The introduction of the „Cheap Power -33%” law depends on parliamentary decisions and political compromises. The key is to follow the next legislative steps – that is where it will be decided whether Poles will actually pay significantly less for electricity this year. If the bill gains support, it could quickly take effect and genuinely lower bills – and this is what most citizens are hoping for.
