The Ministry has spoken, the deadline for the installation of the separator has been moved

The Croatian Ministry of Economy has announced plans to extend the deadline for the installation of heat meters used to measure thermal energy consumption, according to a proposal submitted for public consultation. The proposed changes to the Regulation on the Method of Distribution and Calculation of Costs for Delivered Thermal Energy aim to delay the deadline by one year, pushing it back to August 31, 2027. This extension would apply to all consumers who have not yet installed heat meters, allowing them additional time to adapt to the new system of energy delivery and billing. The ministry's statement highlights the need for this adjustment due to current geopolitical conditions, including instability in the Middle East, which could impact the energy market. It says the extension will ensure sufficient time for consumers to prepare for the transition while protecting citizens' standards. Under the proposed changes, those who still fail to install heat meters by the extended deadline would be required to pay a fee starting September 1, 2027, amounting to 0.5 euros per square meter of property for which thermal energy is purchased. The proposed regulation outlines a transitional period during which consumers, such as owners of individual units, co-owners of buildings, managers, buyers, and distributors, are allowed to complete necessary preparations for adapting to the new system without incurring additional costs. This includes the obligation to install heat meters for those receiving thermal energy. The public consultation on these proposed amendments is open until July 27. The initial deadline for installing heat meters was set to allow for a more accurate distribution and calculation of thermal energy costs, aiming to promote efficiency in heating systems. However, the ministry argues that extending the deadline provides a more realistic timeframe for consumers to comply with the requirements, especially given ongoing global uncertainties affecting energy markets. Public consultations on regulatory changes are common practice in Croatia, allowing stakeholders to review and comment on proposed legislation before final approval. In this case, the proposed amendment seeks to balance consumer readiness with the need to implement a more efficient energy billing model. The ministry emphasizes that the extension does not eliminate the requirement to eventually install heat meters but rather allows for a smoother transition. The proposed fee for non-compliance is intended to encourage timely installation of heat meters by making it financially disadvantageous to delay the process beyond the extended deadline. This approach aims to align consumer behavior with broader goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in heating systems. The fee structure is based on the size of the property, ensuring proportionality in cost imposition. Industry representatives and consumer advocates have not yet publicly commented on the proposal, though similar measures in other countries have sparked debates over fairness and practicality. Some argue that such fees could disproportionately affect lower-income households, while others support the move as a necessary step toward modernizing energy infrastructure. The ministry’s proposal reflects a broader trend in Europe aimed at enhancing energy efficiency through better measurement and billing practices. Countries across the European Union have been implementing similar reforms to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable usage. Croatia’s decision to extend the deadline appears to be part of this larger effort, albeit with specific considerations for its domestic context. The public consultation period offers a window for interested parties to provide feedback, which the ministry will consider before finalizing the regulation. Once approved, the new rules will take effect, marking a shift in how thermal energy is billed and managed in Croatia. The outcome of the consultation could influence whether the proposed extensions and associated fees remain unchanged or undergo further modifications.