New Heating Tax for Households

Starting in 2027, a new tax on heating with coal and gas is set to be introduced in Poland and throughout the European Union. This is a consequence of the ETS system, which previously only applied to businesses. We already know that it will also cover single-family homes heated with fossil fuels. If you heat your home with coal or gas, it’s worth considering changing your heat source.

ETS 2 is a carbon emissions trading system that was introduced in 2005. Its main goals are: reducing CO2 emissions, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy production based on renewable energy sources.

What is the ETS system?

The ETS (Emissions Trading System) is a European emissions trading system that was implemented in 2005 to limit greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. This system is the largest carbon market in the world and operates on the principle of trading CO2 emission allowances.

The ETS system involves setting emission limits for various sectors of the economy, such as industry, energy, transport, and aviation. Companies in these sectors must hold the appropriate permits for greenhouse gas emissions, and their total emissions cannot exceed a specified limit. Companies that do not exceed their emissions can sell their surplus emission allowances to other companies that need additional allowances.

By enabling the trading of emission rights, the ETS system encourages companies to invest in low-emission technologies to reduce their emissions while simultaneously stimulating investments in emission reduction technologies for the future. As a result, the ETS is one of the main instruments of European climate and energy policy, supporting the European Union's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Starting in 2027, the ETS will also apply to owners of single-family homes.

Will homeowners pay for emissions?

The introduction of the ETS for single-family homes (ETS 2) is part of the Fit for 55 package adopted by the European Union. This is a far-reaching plan by the European Commission aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The package includes a number of legal proposals, including amendments to directives on emissions trading, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and regulations on fuel taxation and VAT.

Starting in 2027, the ETS will also be extended to owners of buildings that are not zero-emission. Specifically, this refers to single-family homes heated with coal or gas. How much will the carbon emission tax be? This has not yet been determined, but currently, it is estimated to be around 45 euros per ton of emitted gas.

Emission fees will be added to the price of the raw material and will be enforced in this way. For households, this means an increase in the prices of coal and gas. By how much? It is difficult to predict at this time, but a price hike is more than certain.

How to avoid the tax?

There is only one way to avoid the new fee, which is to change the heat source. However, one must consider the costs of this endeavor. This is where funding programs such as Clean Air or Warm Apartment come into play. You can find details on this topic in our article “How to replace an old furnace with modern infrared heating?”

Choosing a new heat source is a serious undertaking, as it will accompany us for many years to come. Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with all the available options on the market. Electric infrared heating is an interesting alternative worth considering due to its properties. It is the only heating system that does not generate additional costs such as inspections, checks, or repairs. Heating films are a simple construction with no mechanical parts, and therefore, there is little that can go wrong. Other systems on the market certainly have their advantages, but they cannot be described as simple constructions. Heating films are also easy to install and do not require major renovations. This is a system that is convenient and inexpensive to use.

Why do we need alternative heat sources?

The energy policy of the European Union focuses on so-called distributed energy. This is a concept where energy is generated by small units, such as single-family homes. Additionally, the EU promotes self-consumption of generated energy. The electricity obtained from photovoltaic panels should be consumed by the user as much as possible. Ultimately, energy storage systems are expected to help with this, but for now, they are too expensive to become widespread.

The concept of distributed energy works perfectly when we combine photovoltaics with electric infrared heating. This way, we get heating for free. It is worth starting to explore this topic now and not to postpone the change of the heat source. The closer we get to the date of the introduction of the ETS system, the harder it will be to obtain funding. Many people will leave this to the last minute, and offices will be flooded with applications. It will also certainly be harder to find a good specialist, for example, for thermal modernization. And this is a topic that goes hand in hand with changing the heat source.

It may seem that EU plans are just on paper and it’s better to live with the belief that "it will somehow work out." However, changes in regulations, the introduction of new fees, etc., are happening before our eyes. It is also evident that the government is allocating significant funds for funding programs for changing heat sources and thermal modernization. Whether we like it or not, every single-family homeowner will have to adapt to them. Therefore, it is worth considering an appropriate heat source that will operate reliably for many years.