Electricity in the free market has been more expensive than in the regulated market since 2023, but the gap is narrowing in 2025

A report from the energy regulator ERSE confirms that average electricity prices in the free market have remained consistently higher than regulated tariffs since mid-2023. While the gap peaked in the third quarter of 2024, it has been narrowing throughout 2025 as free-market prices fall. ERSE noted that 20% to 40% of current market offers are cheaper than the regulated tariff, suggesting many consumers are paying more due to inertia in switching or renegotiating older, more expensive contracts.