New interventions to reduce electricity tariffs were announced by Minister of Environment and Energy, Thodoros Skylakakisspeaking at a conference of the Southeast European Energy Institute.

“We are also looking at other aspects and charges of the tariffs to try to improve them, to make them more competitive,” the minister stressed, recalling the measures announced on electricity theft, strategic non-payers and the marking of tariffs. He added, however, that the fundamental solution to competitive electricity costs will come from faster and competitive entry of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into the system. In this context, all future RES tenders will be discounted.

Referring to the new framework, which will be effective from January 1, 2024 with the mandatory common tariff that will be derived based on a mathematical formula, he noted that the role of the ministry is to protect the weakest, which is not – as he said – the producer nor the electricity supplier but the consumer and especially the consistent consumer. “We listen to the market but our position is to defend the consumer. Anyone who reads an electricity supply contract will find that a highly competent lawyer needs two hours of very careful reading to understand it. Consumers are asked to sign such contracts and be bound,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr. Skylakakis pointed out that energy autonomy is a major priority for Europe and for our country, in view of the increase in uncertainty and geopolitical realignments.

Finally, he emphasized that it would be a mistake to commit to one of the alternative energy sources (hydrogen, energy storage and in what form, etc.) as the technologies are under development and it is unknown which will prevail, recalling the high cost paid by country from the development of RES at an early stage.

However, as he said, the development of offshore wind farms will proceed with careful steps, in which Greece, due to the wind, has a competitive advantage.