Italy's price-protected electricity market ended today, July 1. This means that almost all price-protected electricity contracts will have to transition to a free market. The Italian Consumer Association cautions that the selection of new suppliers by phone or door-to-door salesman should be avoided.
According to Italy's "Corriere della Sera" and Tgcom24 network, Italy terminated the natural gas price protection system in January this year, and more than 5 million household users belonging to the protected market have transitioned to the free market, except for vulnerable users (over 75 years old, low income, and serious health problems).
As of today, the protected electricity market will also be closed, and all non-vulnerable users will gradually transition to the free market.
若电费账单上方写有"enhanced protection service"字样,即属于受保护市场。 《欧洲时报》资料图片
In order to avoid inconvenience to electricity users, the Italian energy sector Arera has launched a gradual protection service. Electricity customers can choose the supplier that best suits their needs at any time until March 31, 2027 and move to the free market. If the choice is not made within the deadline, the electricity service will continue to be provided by the original supplier.
Be wary of sales scams
It is worth noting that with the end of the price-protected market, there has been a marked increase in telemarketing and door-to-door marketing activities.
The Italian Codacons Consumer Association reminds us to be vigilant against sales scams.
Try to avoid answering the word "yes" when answering unfamiliar calls to avoid falling victim to bad sales. In fact, criminals can edit the call recordings to get the unsuspecting victim to come to a verbal agreement.
For example, the salesperson on the other end of the phone asks, "Excuse me, is that Mr. XXX?" At this point, you can just hang up the phone or ask who the other person is.
Pixabay network
For door-to-door salesmen, the most important thing is not to open the door to strangers; Do not provide the POD meter code on your electricity bill, as this can be used directly to activate a new contract. And in case of doubt, do not sign any documents.
You should try to look for suppliers who can offer affordable contracts by looking at the offers offered by different energy providers in the free market.
There are many online price comparison sites where you can compare quotes from different suppliers. It is important to analyze the terms of the contract, the price of energy, the surcharges and the additional services provided.
(Yi Yi Original, Editor: Shu Liao, Translation: Sasha, Image source: Pixabay network, please indicate Yi Stew: oushitalia)