Is there help with energy costs in Italy?

The short answer

Many countries have a social tariff, a discount or an allowance for people on a low income, and free advice on saving energy.

📜 The rules in Italy

Help if money is tight

Discount applied automatically on electricity and gas bills for 12 months if your household's ISEE is up to 9,796 euro (20,000 euro with at least 4 dependent children). Just submit the DSU to INPS to get an ISEE; the contract must be in the name of a household member. A separate bonus exists for serious health conditions.

Bonus sociale luce e gas 🔗 arera.it

Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-27

Free energy advice

ARERA's free helpdesk explains your rights, bonuses and the end of regulated prices. Toll-free 800.166.654, Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, free from landlines and mobiles.

Sportello per il consumatore Energia e Ambiente 🔗 sportelloperilconsumatore.it

Regulated price

Only for vulnerable customers: aged 75+, entitled to the social bonus or health bonus, disabled under Law 104/92, living in emergency housing, or (electricity) on small non-interconnected islands. Non-vulnerable electricity customers in the 'Servizio a tutele graduali' move to a market offer from their current supplier on 1 April 2027 unless they choose one first.

Servizio di maggior tutela (luce) / Servizio di tutela della vulnerabilità (gas) 🔗 arera.it

Official source: arera.it · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

See what existsThe schemes in Italy are listed below, with who qualifies.
Check if it is automaticSome discounts are applied automatically. For others you have to apply.
Get free adviceFree energy or debt advice can help you lower your bills and deal with arrears.
Talk to your supplierAsk about a cheaper tariff or a payment plan, and register as a vulnerable customer if that applies.

📇 Who to contact

Bonus sociale luce e gasDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.arera.it/consumatori/bonus-sociale

Sportello per il consumatore Energia e AmbienteFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.sportelloperilconsumatore.it

ARERA - Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e AmbienteSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 800.166.654 🔗 www.arera.it/consumatori

❓ Questions

Do I have to apply?

It depends on the scheme. The details for Italy are on this page.

Who gets the discount if I rent?

Usually the person named on the energy contract.

Is there help for heating oil or wood?

Some countries have separate heating allowances. Ask the social services of your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🤝 Is there help with energy costs in Italy?