Italian Utility Stocks Slide After Government Approves Energy Sector Tax Hike

Shares of major Italian utility companies fell sharply on Thursday after the government approved an increase in corporate taxation targeting the energy sector, raising concerns over profitability and regulatory risk.

By 09:11 GMT, shares in A2A (BIT: A2) were down 3.5%, while Enel (BIT: ENEI) slipped 3.1%. Hera (BIT: HRA) and Iren (BIT: IREE) also came under pressure, each declining 1.9%.

The selloff followed a late-Wednesday decision by the Italian government to raise the regional corporate tax (IRAP) on energy companies by two percentage points. The measure is aimed specifically at firms operating in the utilities and energy space.

According to government estimates, the tax increase is expected to generate around €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in additional revenue through 2028. Authorities said the proceeds will be used to help fund planned reductions in household energy bills, as Rome seeks to cushion consumers from elevated utility costs.

While the move supports near-term fiscal and social objectives, investors reacted negatively amid concerns that higher taxes could weigh on earnings and investment capacity across Italy’s utility sector.