A committee assembled to address industrial sector energy costs meets today for a third and final round seeking a solution to the funding details of a “power disruption management” plan, whose implementation will enable energy cost savings for major-scale industry in exchange for shifting energy usage to off-peak hours whenever required by IPTO, the power grid operator.

The issue has caused a rift between the industrial and renewable energy source (RES) sectors, as, based on the plan’s current form, already endorsed by the European Commission, the bulk of the “disruption” measure’s cost, estimated at between 60 million and 65 million euros, will be covered by the RES sector.

Production Reconstruction, Environment and Energy Ministry Panagiotis Lafazanis will be forwarded the results of the committee’s efforts and called upon to offer a finalized plan.

Yesterday, ELETAEN, the Greek Wind Energy Association, and HELAPCO, the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies – locally acronymed SEF – both expressed their objections to the RES sector being burdened with the “power disruption management” plan’s cost.

The RES sector argues the plan is not necessary as current grid supply is sufficient. RES sector officials also contend that, if implemented, the plan’s funding should be covered by those who stand to benefit from its availability.

At the other end, the industrial sector, especially major-scale producers, support the plan’s exisiting form, highlighting the need for primary and secondary reserves as a result of increased RES penetration in the electricity market.

Industrial sector initiatives that could lessen the measure’s burden for the RES sector have not been ruled out. In fact, it is believed that the industrial sector would support government revisions in such a direction, as long as the European Commission’s approval of the plan, offered under the country’s previous administration, is not placed at risk.

The industrial sector has highlighted the “disruption” measure is of crucial importance for the sector, especially the steel industry.