The Ministry of Environment and Energy is introducing a new framework to tackle strategic defaulters by amending the Electricity Supply Code. The goal of this new framework is to effectively address the phenomenon of strategic non-payment, protect responsible consumers, and strengthen the smooth functioning of the electricity market. The relevant Ministerial Decision was signed on Thursday (20/08) by Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastauros and Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos, following the approval of the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) and an extensive public consultation process.
The phenomenon of “energy tourism”
By the end of 2025, overdue debts owed to electricity suppliers had reached approximately €3 billion. A significant portion of this total is attributed to the phenomenon of “energy tourism,” in which consumers with unpaid debts repeatedly switch from one supplier to another, exploiting weaknesses in the existing regulatory framework.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy, working closely with RAAEY, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO), and electricity suppliers, has developed a new, balanced framework that effectively addresses abusive practices without disproportionately restricting consumers’ right to switch supplier. This framework now protects responsible consumers, who until now have been bearing the costs generated by strategic defaulters and so-called “energy tourists.”
What the new regulation provides: How responsible consumers will be protected
The new regulation introduces, for the first time, a debt flagging system through which suppliers will be able to flag consumers with overdue debts to HEDNO. Upon accumulating three (3) flags, a consumer will be barred from switching supplier until their debts have been settled — either through full payment or an agreed repayment plan.
The new framework, set to take effect immediately upon publication of the Ministerial Decision in the Government Gazette, is expected to help reduce overdue debts and bad debt exposure in the electricity market, gradually leading to a fairer distribution of costs borne by households and businesses.
