Updates about the so-called “CACER” Decree

Key-updates to the Operating Rules for Renewable Energy Communities (CERs) Significant amendments have been introduced to the Operating Rules for Renewable Energy Communities (CERs), expanding opportunities and simplifying procedures for access to tax breaks and contributions.

Bigger list Beneficiary Entities

The range of entities that can join Renewable Energy Communities (CERs) has been expanded. In addition to the original ones, the following members may now also join Renewable Energy Communities:

• local residential construction companies, • public assistance and charitable institutions, • human service organizations, • land reclamation consortia.

The community maintains its nature as an autonomous legal entity, and its shareholders or members can be:

• people, • SMEs, i.e. small and medium-sized enterprises, also owned by local authorities, • associations, • local residential construction companies, • public assistance and charitable institutions, • public entities providing personal services, • land reclamation consortia, • research and training bodies and organisations, • religious entities, • third sector organisations, • environmental protection associations,

MASE Decree No. 127/2025: New Provisions

Extension of the number of inhabitants: the capital grant provided by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (corresponding to 40% of eligible costs) is now destinated to projects in municipalities with a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants (instead of 5,000 inhabitants, as established before). Updated construction deadlines: all works must be completed within 30th June 2026 and plants must be commissioned within 24 months after the end of the works (last possible day: 31st December 2027). Increase of the advanced fund: the maximum advanced amount that the Energy Service Operator can pay varies from 10% to 30% of the contribution, in accordance with the Legislative Decree of 2nd March 2024, no. 19.4. Retroactive application: the amendments also apply to projects that had been already submitted before the entry into force of the decree, in compliance with the updated Operational Rules.

Updates of the Operating Rules and “CACER” Notice

The “CACER” Notice of 17th July 2025 replaces those previously published and it ensures the validity of all application forms that have been already submitted, aligning them with the new regulatory framework. The maximum advanced amount corresponds to 30% of the contribution with a guarantee. These changes aim to support the development of Renewable Energy Communities, by simplifying access to funds for a faster energy transition in Italy. For further information, please consult the file regarding the Operating Rules.