According to the Ministry of Energy, extending the compensation scheme for high energy prices, ensuring the operation of energy companies affected by price volatility, fair treatment of all entities and improving the investment climate are the main goals of the amendments to the Energy Act. (ZE)
Producers of electricity from renewable sources will be able to receive an additional premium in the event that the achieved market price of electricity, plus the corresponding premium, is lower than their preferential price (former Feed-in tariff). Otherwise, when the market price, plus the premium, is higher than the preferential price set for these producers, they will make additional contributions to the Fund Security of the Electricity System (FSES).
Other proposed changes suggest the Council of Ministers, by a recommendation of the Ministry of Energy, to adopt a reference price for state-owned electricity companies. The any market price above the reference one, multiplied by the electricity produced by the respective company, will be collected in the FSES.
The operators of gas transmission networks and natural gas storage facilities won’t pay contributions to the FSES. The fund on the other hand will pay the energy companies the costs of additional obligations to society imposed on them by order of the Minister of Energy after January 1, 2022 until the entry into force of the law.
Another part of the changes in the Energy Act envisages that the accumulated profits in public companies in the energy sector will be used to support consumers of electricity and natural gas.
Transmission and distribution system operators will be required to conduct an annual procedure through which RES producers can order and reserve future network capacity, according to another proposal for changes in the Energy Act. The amendment will ensure predictability for both network operators and their customers.
Source: Ministry of Energy
