Following a string of votes during the Chamber of Deputies’ final session of the year on Thursday, lawmakers unanimously voted in favour of state support for electricity costs in the new year. The government plans a contribution of around €150 million to help out households and businesses with electricity costs in 2026. It will automatically apply to all bills from January.
Despite all voting in favour, some opposition parties expressed criticism towards the bill. The Luxembourg Socialist Workers Party (LSAP) said the measure was not targeted enough, as even those who can afford an excessive use of electricity will benefit from the financial support. It also risks sending the wrong signal, because to achieve climate targets, there should be renewed efforts to save energy, MP Georges Engel said.
MP Tom Weidig of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR) said the support was not a solution for future issues in terms of electricity tariffs and saving energy. The measure would help address the problem in the short-term but could not be relied upon forever, he commented.
The Greens’ MP Joelle Welfring said the government had failed to plan beyond 2028 and there were no predictions for households that are investing in electrification.
MP Marc Goergen of the Pirates said he was satisfied with the support but argued that the government could have done more to relieve households.
The Left’s MP David Wagner said that energy should be 100% nationalised as a matter of national sovereignty.
The state council did not file an official opposition in its opinion. The Chamber of Employees said they welcomed the measure but warned of potential inequalities, said rapporteur Carole Hartmann of the Democratic Party (DP).
