Background information

One of the constraints on the transformation of the energy system in Poland is the legal framework. The law is not always adapted to new green energy solutions.

To this end, the lower house of the parliament adopted an amendment to the Energy Act in July, which came into force on 7 September 2023 (Dz.U. poz. 1681).

Content of measure

Among other things, the amendment will introduce the following solutions for green energy:

• The possibility of creating Direct Lines, which allows electricity generators and consumers to be connected bypassing the distribution network. This solution enables greater use of renewable energy sources by industrial consumers, which in turn, by reducing energy costs, should have a positive impact on their competitiveness.
• From August 2024, it will be possible to set up Citizen Energy Communities throughout Poland. These are legal entities whose activities are based on voluntary and open participation and in which decision-making and control powers are vested in members, shareholders or partners who are individuals, local government units, micro-entrepreneurs or small entrepreneurs. The amendment sets out the rights and obligations of such entities and the scope of their activities, i.e. generation, distribution, sale, consumption, aggregation or storage of energy.

Use of measure

Unknown.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Company / Companies Local / regional government	No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Consulted	Consulted
Form	Direct consultation outside a formal body	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: Unknown

Involvement

Uknown.

Views and reactions

The amendment to the Energy Law has been long awaited by industry organisations in the energy sector and introduces the changes they had been expecting.

Sources

• 07 September 2023: Act of 28 July 2023 on amending the Act - Energy Law and certain other acts (isap.sejm.gov.pl)