After a tumultuous 2022, marked by significant fluctuations in energy prices and the need for strategic reserves to mitigate potential production shortages, the energy sector in Poland hoped for a more stable 2023. While the year proved to be calmer, it introduced new challenges that some market participants struggled to overcome. It was not until the end of the year that stabilization in prices brought renewed activity to the market, setting the stage for 2024 to be a year rich in solutions tailored to the new demands of customers, especially those in the SME sector.
Government Interventions and Market Dynamics
In response to the volatile market, the Polish government introduced the “Solidarity Shield” at the end of 2022, freezing electricity prices throughout 2023. This measure significantly shaped the market landscape, posing a challenge for energy trading companies. Initially, many sellers had to limit their offers, as the government-set price was lower than the market price, making it unfeasible to offer attractive fixed-rate products. This situation led to a dominance of products based on SPOT market prices, not only for electricity but also for gas. The uncertainty in the energy market resulted in clients, particularly SMEs, delaying contract renewals in anticipation of price changes or new government initiatives.
The Green Shift and ESG Influence
The year 2024 is poised to see an increasing impact of European Union regulations on purchasing decisions within the SME sector. Despite most small and medium-sized enterprises not being required to report their non-financial activities, there is a growing trend towards green energy adoption. This shift is driven by a desire to build a business advantage and retain eco-conscious customers. The market is also seeing a rising interest in corporate Power Purchase Agreements (cPPAs), allowing businesses to directly purchase energy from specific renewable sources, a trend that is set to expand to SMEs following reforms in the EU’s internal energy market.
The Competitive Landscape and Customer Behavior
The current year presents intriguing prospects for the energy sector. A government-extended rate for sensitive consumers and small businesses remains in effect until the end of June, with a net price of 693 PLN per MWh. The evolving market challenges revolve around sustainable development and the increasing demand for renewable energy sources. Despite these shifts, the number of business customers switching energy providers remains relatively low, with only 8,500 business customers making a switch from September 2022 to September 2023.
The pandemic has highlighted a preference among SMEs for stability and predictability, with economic uncertainties and fluctuating energy prices driving them towards safer choices. However, the rising cost of electricity has pushed some to explore new products, with the SPOT market offering opportunities to stay close to market prices and avoid the risks associated with poor timing in contract negotiations.
Looking Ahead
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the entry of new, smaller players, fueled by the growth in renewable energy sources, is reshaping the competitive landscape. The market dynamics in the coming years will undoubtedly be influenced by these trends, as companies navigate through the challenges and opportunities presented by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences.