Italy court ruling clarifies two-year statute of limitations for energy bills

A ruling by the Court of Bologna (sentence no. 5838, September 29, 2026) has clarified consumer protections regarding delayed energy bills. The court established that the two-year statute of limitations for electricity, gas, and water service credits begins from the last day of the energy supply period, rather than from the date the supplier chooses to issue the invoice.

Under the 2018 Budget Law and subsequent 2019 legislation, the prescription period for these credits was reduced to two years. This protection applies to domestic users, micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under 2 million euros, and professionals. The ruling follows a case where an energy company sought an injunction for over 50,000 euros in delayed settlement payments for consumption that occurred years prior.