Businesses and consumers will not be penalized for late payments on electricity and gas bills. However, they cannot withhold payments for more than 45 days. A decision to this effect was approved by the Commission for Exceptional Situations.

"In the event of non-payment of electricity supplied/delivered within the deadlines indicated in the contracts and/or invoices/payment accounts during the state of emergency, no penalties, interest on late payment and other pecuniary sanctions will be calculated between the participants of the retail and wholesale electricity market for a period not exceeding 45 days", the CSE decision said.

The same conditions are stipulated for natural gas debts.

"The natural gas supplier shall not calculate to thermal energy units engaged in the production, distribution or supply of thermal energy late payment interest, as well as shall not apply to them other pecuniary sanctions, for a period not exceeding 45 days", the CSE decision says.