blokihindadest

Blokihindadest refers to a pricing structure used for electricity, gas, or other utilities in which the price per unit depends on the amount consumed within a billing period. The total bill is composed of a fixed charge plus charges for discrete consumption blocks, each block having its own per-unit price. Typically, the first block covers a baseline consumption, the next blocks cover higher ranges, and the price per unit rises with each additional block (an increasing block tariff). Some designs use decreasing blocks or flat middle blocks; some include a separate monthly fixed service fee.

Billing works by measuring the total consumption in the period, then allocating it to the defined blocks. For example, up to 100 kWh may be priced at 0.15 EUR/kWh, the next 200 kWh at 0.20 EUR/kWh, and any consumption beyond that at 0.25 EUR/kWh, with a fixed monthly charge of 5 EUR. Actual designs vary by provider and market.

Benefits of block tariffs include greater transparency about how consumption affects price and a straightforward structure that can deter excessive use. They can be easier to understand than marginally priced dynamic tariffs and may align with stepwise cost structures faced by utilities. Drawbacks include potential confusion about block boundaries, the possibility of cross-subsidies between small and large users, and limited incentive to shift consumption to off-peak times.

Block tariffs are used in several European markets for electricity and other utilities. In Estonia and other EU countries, they are offered by some providers as one pricing option and are subject to national consumer protection and energy-market regulation to ensure fairness and clear communication.