Extra electricity protection in 2026: what changes for vulnerable households in Spain

In 2026, the Spanish Government has decided to prolong and reinforce the social shield against energy poverty, keeping extraordinary discounts on the social electricity bonus and protecting basic electricity, gas and water supply for the most fragile households. These measures are laid out in Royal Decree-Law 2/2026, which continues several years of emergency policies designed to cushion the impact of the energy crisis and inflation on low-income families.

The core change for domestic consumers is twofold. First, the “extra” discount percentages of the social bonus on the regulated PVPC tariff are extended throughout 2026: 42.5% for vulnerable consumers and 57.5% for severely vulnerable consumers, instead of the lower levels foreseen in the ordinary regime. Second, the ban on cutting off electricity, gas and water supply is maintained until 31 December 2026 for customers recognised as vulnerable, severely vulnerable or at risk of social exclusion under Royal Decree 897/2017.

The decree explicitly links these temporary protections to the rollout of the new National Strategy against Energy Poverty, with a 2030 horizon, which aims to reduce structural vulnerabilities in areas such as housing quality, energy efficiency and access to clean heating and cooling. While that long‑term strategy is implemented, the Government has opted to extend emergency tools that have already proven effective in recent years, such as reinforced discounts, disconnection bans and targeted financial support.

In practical terms, a vulnerable household that already receives the social electricity bonus will continue to benefit from a significantly lower regulated bill than a standard customer, thanks to the 42.5% or 57.5% reduction on energy consumption charges. For those in a situation of severe vulnerability and at risk of social exclusion, social services can cover at least half of the energy bill, which, combined with the bonus, almost eliminates the risk of falling into arrears due to energy costs.

The protection does not stop at electricity. The decree also guarantees that households classified as vulnerable cannot have their basic water and gas supplies cut off until the end of 2026, recognising these services as essential to a dignified standard of living. This gives families facing temporary income shocks or high seasonal bills extra breathing space to regularise their situation without the immediate threat of disconnection.

Alongside these protections, the Government and regional authorities are rolling out complementary support to lower consumption itself, from efficiency grants for heating and insulation to targeted aid for replacing old, inefficient appliances. Some programmes can finance substantial upgrades, helping households permanently reduce their energy needs and, therefore, their bills.

The Government argues that maintaining these reinforced measures through 2026 helps contain inequality and prevents new pockets of energy poverty from emerging as other crisis-era supports are phased out. Consumer organisations largely welcome the extension but warn that authorities must improve information campaigns and simplify procedures so that eligible households, especially elderly people, migrants and low‑income renters actually apply for and receive the support they are entitled to.

As 2026 progresses, the key test for these protections will be whether vulnerable households actually manage to claim them and keep their homes safely heated and powered. If the energy situation stabilises and the new National Strategy against Energy Poverty delivers structural improvements, future governments may start phasing out emergency tools like disconnection bans and boosted discounts—but for now, they remain a critical safety net for families most exposed to energy costs.