The sharp increase of a RES-supporting electricity supplier surcharge, up to levels of as much as 8.5 euros per MWh during the first three months of the year, is causiing considerable problems in the market, ESAI/HAIPP, the Hellenic Association of Independent Power Producers, and ESEPIE, the Hellenic Association of Electricity Trading & Supply Companies, have stressed in a joint letter forwarded to local sector authorities.

The latest report by LAGIE, the Electricity Market Operator, on the RES special account underestimates fundamental factors, which has led to the calculation of a smaller surplus projection for the year of 256 million euros than the figure that will actually be achieved, given the current System Marginal Price (SMP) and emission right cost conditions, the letter notes.

It has been forwarded to LAGIE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, and the energy ministry.

The two electricity production and trade associations called for the entire surplus amount to be utilized for a reduction of the supplier surcharge.

The supplier surcharge has continued to reach considerably high levels during the first quarter, which is “creating additional volatility in overall electricity costs for suppliers and does not contribute to the substantial liberalization of the electricity supply market,” the letter stresses.