The Serbian government has approved amendments to the Regulation on Energy-Vulnerable Consumers to provide relief to socially vulnerable households during the upcoming heating season, the Ministry of Mining and Energy announced.
Key measures include:
- Automatic eligibility for certain groups: Pensioners with minimum pensions (up to 27,711.33 dinars) and individuals with veteran or war/civil disability status will automatically gain the status of energy-vulnerable consumer if they have a utility meter in their name, with the process initiated by local authorities.
- Discounts on electricity bills: Eligible pensioners and protected groups will receive a 1,000 dinar discount on electricity bills from October 2025 to March 2026.
- Additional incentives: Energy-vulnerable consumers will get a 5% discount for timely monthly payments during the heating season.
- Consumption limits: Restrictions on consumption thresholds between “blue” and “red” zones will not apply to these consumers from October to March.
- Overall savings: Pensioners and protected groups are expected to reduce electricity and gas bills by approximately 1,500 dinars during the heating season.
- Broader benefits: Depending on household size, eligible consumers may receive 40–60% reductions on electricity, gas, and heating bills throughout the year or heating season.
Applications for additional social assistance, including child benefits or care allowances, are submitted to local authorities and processed within one month, with submissions accepted year-round.
