TUR

The energy scenario for January 2026 is very different from what families experienced just three months ago. As we analyzed in Octoberthe autumn began with an average increase of 13.2% in the Last Resort Rate (TUR) for households, driven by the introduction of the seasonal surcharge and the increase in regulated costs. However, the new resolution of the General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines, published this Saturday, December 27 in the Official State Gazette (BOE), change the board: The individual rate without taxes will decrease an average of 8.7% compared to October prices. The savings figures. The reduction not only affects individual consumers, but extends to the entire spectrum of the regulated rate. The descent is broken down as follows: Households (TUR 1 and 2): For an average customer who only uses gas for cooking and water (TUR 1), the annual bill with taxes will decrease by 3.7%. For those who also have heating (TUR 2), the decrease will be 4.3%. SMEs (TUR 3): Small businesses will see a 4.8% drop in their annual receipt. Neighboring communities (TUR Vecinal): In rates ranging from TUR 4 to TUR 11, the variable term will be reduced between 5.7% and 8.3%. What does this mean for the consumer? This drop represents a “balloon of oxygen” at the time of highest consumption of the year. The TUR is confirmed as a refuge from the volatility of the free market, where some clients even pay twice as much for the same supply. In addition, the regulations have shielded the protection of specific groups. According to the resolution of the BOEthe last resort rate is applicable indefinitely to communities of owners, public buildings for residential use and non-profit organizations. The international market has set the tone. The General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines has applied a technical formula where the fall in international markets has weighed more than fixed costs. The points are: Cheaper raw material. The cost of base gas has been reduced by 1.7% thanks to the drop in the price of Brent (-2.9%), even compensating for the slight loss in value of the euro against the dollar. Seasonal gas down. Although in winter “seasonal gas” is mandatory (more expensive due to high demand), this year its cost is 18% lower than the previous period due to the decrease in natural gas futures. Technical components. The cost of the raw material has been set at about 2.55 cents per kWh — which serves as the basis for calculating your bill before adding tolls and taxes. Quarterly surveillance. This truce in prices will come into force on January 1, 2026. However, the automatic nature of the TUR implies that on April 1 the price will be reviewed again depending on how the different global conflicts evolve and storage capacity of the European Union. For now, Spanish households will start the year with a necessary respite from the cold. Image | Unsplash and freepik Xataka | Spain lights up for Christmas, but an uncomfortable doubt arises on some rooftops