Industrial sector sources are greatly concerned by the Greek government’s slow progress in preparing an application for EU authorities intended to extend the validity of the country’s demand response mechanism (interruptability).

Greece’s demand response mechanism, set to expire on September 30, enables major industrial enterprises to be compensated when the TSO (ADMIE/IPTO) requests that they shift their energy usage by lowering or stopping consumption during high-demand peak hours so as to balance the electricity system’s needs.

Energy minister Giorgos Stathakis, who is in charge of the matter, has pledged to submit an extension application to the European Commission by July 15.

According to sources, industrial sector officials forwarded a letter to the minister a few days ago urging swifter action as the demand response mechanism, offering crucial energy cost savings to the sector, is set to expire in two-and-a-half months.

In the letter, the industrial sector officials noted that a three-year extension will need to be granted, adding that the mechanism must function independently until market revisions are completed for the adoption of a permanent mechanism.