Conto Termico 3.0 and Lighting: Everything You Need to Know to Access Incentives

The new Conto Termico 3.0, introduced by the Ministerial Decree of August 7, 2025 and managed by the GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici), represents a concrete and strategic tool to finance energy efficiency projects through direct grants paid into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Among the eligible interventions is the upgrading of lighting systems — an often underestimated opportunity with a very high impact in terms of energy savings and environmental quality.

In this article, we analyze what Conto Termico 3.0 provides for lighting projects and the requirements to be met.

Relamping under Conto Termico 3.0: Where It Fits

Lighting interventions fall under:

Title II – Energy Efficiency
Intervention 2.E – Lighting

It includes:

Replacement of indoor lighting systems
Upgrade of outdoor ancillary lighting
Introduction of high-efficiency technologies (LED)
Integration of intelligent control systems

It is important to highlight that Title II is primarily reserved for Public Administrations, while access for private entities and companies may be allowed in specific cases or through an ESCO.

What Qualifies as an Eligible Intervention

The project must include:

Replacement of existing luminaires
Installation of high-efficiency LED technology
Measurable improvement in energy performance
Compliance with regulatory lighting levels

This is not a simple “lamp-by-lamp” replacement, but a properly engineered lighting retrofit.

Mandatory Technical Requirements

To access the incentive, the intervention must comply with specific requirements:

1. Minimum Luminous Efficiency

Luminaires must meet the minimum values specified in GSE tables.

2. Colour Rendering Index (CRI)

It must be appropriate for the intended use of the space (offices, schools, hospitals, industrial areas, etc.).

3. Compliance with Lighting Standards

Mandatory compliance with UNI EN 12464.

4. Control Systems (Almost Always Required)

The decree frequently requires the integration of:

Presence sensors
Daylight sensors
Automatic regulation systems

A key point emerges here: without intelligent control, the intervention may be non-compliant or less rewarding.

The Role of LENI

In some cases, calculation of the LENI index – Lighting Energy Numeric Indicator – is required.

This indicator measures the annual energy consumption of the lighting system in relation to the illuminated surface area.

This means:

Installing LEDs is not enough.
Actual energy savings must be demonstrated.
A lighting design with energy calculation is required.

Eligible Costs

Generally eligible expenses include:

Supply of luminaires
Removal and disposal of the existing system
Control and regulation systems
Design and technical certifications
Professional fees
Commissioning and testing

Excluded costs:

Purely aesthetic expenses
Interventions on new buildings
Administrative costs (stamps, administrative fees)

Incentive Amount

Conto Termico is not a tax deduction, but a direct contribution paid by the GSE.

The incentive can be:

Paid in a single instalment (if ≤ €15,000)
Or paid in instalments (2 or 5 years depending on the amount)

The percentage depends on the type of intervention and the beneficiary.

Key advantages compared to Ecobonus:

Fast liquidity (average 3–4 months)
Accessible even without tax capacity
No tax credit management required

Access: Direct Application or Reservation

There are two procedures:

1. Direct Access

After completion of works.
Application within 120 days from the last payment.

2. Reservation (Public Administrations only)

Allows to:

Secure the incentive before starting works
Receive an initial advance payment
Reduce financial risk

All procedures are handled through the GSE Portaltermico platform.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications are rejected due to:

Incorrect bank transfers
Incomplete documentation
Missing technical certification
Submission beyond 120 days
Inconsistencies between invoices and project data

In relamping projects, the most frequent errors concern:

Declared power not consistent
Absence of control systems
Non-compliance with regulatory lighting levels

Why Relamping Is Strategic for Public Administrations

Lighting accounts on average for:

20–40% of consumption in public buildings
Up to 60% in industrial facilities

With an LED + intelligent control project, it is possible to achieve:

Energy reductions up to 80–90%
Improved visual comfort
Increased safety
Reduced maintenance
Continuous consumption monitoring

When integrated with Building Automation systems (Intervention 2.F), the impact becomes even more significant.

Conto Termico 3.0: A Real Opportunity, but Expertise Is Essential

Conto Termico 3.0 is a powerful tool, but it requires:

Proper technical design
Flawless documentation
Consistent energy calculations
Strict compliance with requirements

In lighting projects, simply “changing the lamps” is not enough. An integrated approach combining efficiency, control, and intelligent management is necessary.

Rely on Quantum

Relamping under Conto Termico 3.0 represents a concrete opportunity for:

Public Administrations
Equivalent public entities
Tertiary-sector buildings

However, real value is achieved when the intervention evolves beyond single fixture efficiency toward a connected, monitored, and continuously optimized lighting system.