The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has warned that the regulated gas bill (Last Resort Tariff - TUR) could increase by around 54% starting next October 1, which would imply an annual increase of nearly 310 euros for an average household with gas heating.
According to the entity's calculations, in the quarterly review scheduled for October 1, the price of gas consumption for users under the TUR 2 modality, intended for annual consumption between 5,000 and 15,000 kilowatt-hours, would rise from 4.12 to about 6.95 cents per kWh, representing an increase of almost 69% in the cost of energy.
With these figures, a typical household with gas heating and an annual consumption of 9,000 kWh would see its bill rise from about 600 euros to around 910 euros per year.
However, although the price of energy skyrockets by nearly 69%, the OCU specifies that the effective increase in the bill will remain around 54%, as the bill also includes the rental of the meter, taxes, and other fixed costs.
The organization details that the main source of this sharp rise lies in the very calculation formula of the regulated tariff. In the last quarter of the year, the so-called seasonal gas becomes more relevant, accounting for almost 47% of the supply cost. Given that gas futures are now at high levels, the cost of the raw material will nearly double.
Additionally, on October 1, the new gas year begins, a date when regulated tolls and charges are reviewed. However, the OCU points out that its effect on the overall increase will be limited.
The OCU urges caution before leaving the TUR
Despite the expected increase, the consumer organization urges not to hastily abandon the regulated tariff. In its view, the TUR continues to offer more advantageous prices than the free market, with savings of at least 22% compared to the best fixed-price tariffs and over 40% compared to many commercial offers.
Even so, the OCU advises reviewing in detail the proposals from the free market starting in October, as some fixed-price tariffs could become more competitive if the TUR increase is ultimately confirmed.
To compare adequately, it recommends focusing on the price per kWh, the monthly fixed term, the duration of the contract, and the possible inclusion of additional services.
On the other hand, the association encourages consumers to participate in their "X Collective Energy Purchase," a free and non-binding initiative available on the website "I want to pay less for electricity."
This campaign seeks to bring together thousands of households to negotiate, through an auction, more advantageous conditions for electricity and gas with the suppliers.
In the previous edition, more than 33,000 users registered, achieving an average annual saving of 75 euros just on the electricity bill.