Central European energy markets face legislative shifts and rising wholesale prices

Energy markets in Central Europe are facing significant shifts due to legislative changes and rising wholesale costs. In Slovakia, a second wave of amendments to the Energy Act (No. 259/2025 Z. z.) is set to take effect on September 1, 2026. These changes introduce a framework for flexible connection, allowing producers and investors to connect to the grid under conditions where capacity might be limited, provided they install power management devices. The legislation also establishes clearer rules for electricity sharing among active consumers and energy communities, while implementing stricter rules for suppliers regarding fixed prices and contract transparency.

Simultaneously, wholesale energy prices in the Czech Republic have reached two-year highs. Between September 2025 and August 2026, Czech annual electricity contracts increased by approximately 33.8%. Natural gas prices have seen an even sharper rise, with Czech annual contracts increasing by 56.4% and the Dutch TTF rising by approximately 60.3%. These increases surpass levels seen in 2024. The surge is largely driven by natural gas costs, which significantly impact electricity generation, and a decrease in European storage levels compared to the previous year.