Energy costs in Italy: the impact on operators and the role of renewables

Italy continues to haveone of the highest electricity prices in Europe. In December 2025, the wholesale price was around €113/MWh, which remains significantly higher than in other European countries.

This gap is not accidental: behind the high bills lies a combination of gas dependency, high taxation, and a market mechanism that penalizes renewable sources.

For those who manage Charging Stations , this meanshigher operating costs and tighter margins. But there are concrete solutions to reduce the economic impact and make electric mobility more sustainable, both from an environmental and financial point of view.

The Italian paradox: we pay for everything at the price of gas

Electricity in Italy is expensive for one main reason:the marginal pricing mechanism. Here's how it works: on the electricity market, power plants are activated in order of cost, starting with the cheapest (renewables) and ending with the most expensive (gas). When gas-fired power plants need to be activated to meet demand,all sources are paid the same price: the price of gas.

The result? Even when most of the energy comes from low-cost renewable sources, the final price depends on gas. And Italy importsover 95% of the gas it consumes, making us vulnerable to fluctuations in international markets.

Added to this is one of the highest tax rates in Europe:taxes and charges account for almost 28% of the total cost of electricity. This combination drives up bills for households, businesses, and charging infrastructure operators.

How much does energy weigh on public charging costs?

Operators who manage Charging Stations face a complex challenge.Energy costs represent the largest item in their expenditure structure, and when wholesale prices rise, the impact is immediate.

Unlike domestic users, those who manage charging infrastructure have to bearhigher network charges, management and maintenance costs, and of course must maintain a margin to cover their investments.

When energy prices rise during peaks in demand, operators find themselves paying very high prices for energy, while charging rates are often already defined or bound by contracts.

This makes the economic management of charging networks particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the energy market.Dependence on gas has a double impact: on end consumers and on those investing in electric mobility.

Solutions for reducing costs: technologies and incentives

There are solutions that, while not definitive, can help operators in the electric charging sector reduce operating costs and make infrastructure management more sustainable.

The key liesin integrating renewable sources and technological innovations, strategies that more and more operators are considering in order to cope with rising energy costs.

Producing energy on site with photovoltaicsallows you to break free from the marginal price mechanism. Self-produced energy has acost close to zero after the initial amortization, ensuring cost predictability and independence from the market.

At the same time,advanced energy management technologiesmake it possible to optimize consumption and take full advantage of times when electricity costs less.

When charging stations are powered by certified renewable sources, there is adouble benefit: reduced energy costs for operators and zero emissions from charging.

Considering that electric cars already produce three times fewer emissions than combustion engine vehicles, combining clean energy with electric mobility further strengthens the sustainable positioning.

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) also offer an interesting option: charging stations powered by renewables can become part of these communities, sharing self-produced clean energy and benefiting from additional advantages.

Zonal PUN: a small revolution

In January 2025, thezonal PUN was introduced, replacing the old centralized system. This new mechanism allows regions with higher renewable energy production to benefit from lower prices. It is a first step towards a more efficient market, but structural dependence on gas remains the key issue to be resolved.

For charging operators, the path forward is clear:investing in renewable self-production and smart technologies is no longer just a sustainable choice, but an economic necessity. Electric mobility can only truly take off if the energy that powers it becomes more accessible and independent from fossil fuels.

In Powy, only renewable energy for sustainable charging

At Powy , we Powy just install Charging Stations. As operators, we have chosen tosupply only energy from 100% certified renewable sources, ensuring that every charge makes a real contribution to reducing emissions and independence from fossil fuels.

Our approach focuses onthe overall energy efficiency of the system, not just the physical infrastructure. From choosing the most efficient technologies to smart demand management and integration with photovoltaic systems, we design solutions that reduce operating costs, optimize consumption, and maximize the positive impact on the environment.

Want to make your mobility more sustainable and efficient?Discover how Powy support you with charging solutions powered 100% by certified renewable energy. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about energy costs in Italy

Why is electricity so expensive in Italy?
Energy in Italy is expensive for three main reasons: the marginal pricing system, which charges for all energy at the price of gas (including renewable energy); dependence on imports (90% of gas comes from abroad); and one of the highest tax rates in Europe.

How much does the cost of energy affect Charging Stations operators?
Charging operators purchase energy from the grid at the same prices determined by the marginal price. The cost consists of energy (the main item), increased grid charges, infrastructure management, taxes, and operating margin. When the wholesale price increases during peaks in demand, operating costs rise significantly.

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About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy