The increase in energy bills has led to significant increases in third-sector enterprise expenses. According to OCEN estimates, in the third quarter of 2026, electricity and gas costs supported by business activities within the sector have risen by 46.2% compared to the same period last year and 66.4% for the previous quarter, reaching a total amount of €3.8 billion. The consequence is an evident rise on average monthly bill, which has reached up to €29,700. They were particularly hard hit by bars (up +133%), hotels (up +68%), and large retail spaces (up +67%). On the gas front, Confcommercio highlights a situation of strong scarcity with record-breaking price hikes: in the third quarter, the total cost of enterprises within the third sector was at 788 million euros, representing 72.7% more than in 2025.

The average monthly bill has exceeded ten thousand euros, marking an overall increase of 66.9% on a yearly basis. According to Confcommercio, this is due to the rising prices of energy on global markets that reached their highest points in November. The price of Brent crude oil surpassed $100 per barrel, showing a tendency for a 69.4% increase in October, while the TTF gas price in Amsterdam rose to €96.3 per MWh (+173.4% on a yearly basis). As a result, electricity costs have hit a peak of 280 euros per MWh (+143%). This situation – explains the federation – poses a risk of further compromising business margins, already struggling with weak economic growth and uncertain consumption patterns.

Confcommercio calls for urgent interventions supporting the competitiveness of third-sector enterprises. The priority is to quickly reduce the weight of bills, 'aligning with measures of support for energy investment already envisaged in the Budget Law – such as extending and reorganizing deductions for energy retrofitting and building renovation, as well as support for non-energy-intensive MPMs to encourage investments in renewables and efficiency'. Specifically, the solution proposed by the Confederation would allocate the largest amount derived from an increase in the IRAP tax rate to energy retrofitting for businesses.

This strategy aims to drastically reduce utility bills and improve energy efficiency for businesses. Additionally, Confcommercio suggests increasing public funding to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome the energy crisis. According to the federation, this approach should be accompanied by support interventions aimed at SMEs that are more direct and effective in addressing their needs. Finally, Confcommercio requests a more proactive and innovative economic policy to tackle the energy crisis. The organization proposes developing new forms of cooperation between different economic sectors and promoting a global approach to the problem, considering the need for an efficient network of interconnected energy systems.