Natural gas charge introduced for generation quantities

The energy ministry has announced a 10-euro per thermal MWh charge on natural gas used by natural gas-fueled power stations, a key reason behind the initiative being the need to reduce gas demand as part of the country’s wider effort for less gas consumption, ministry sources explained.

In addition, the measure’s implementation serves as preparation for a possible decision by EU member states to impose a price cap on all electricity generation technologies other than gas, the ministry sources noted.

Independent electricity producers admitted being caught by surprise, noting they found out about the new measure through the media.

“We are unaware of the reason why the ministry is proceeding with such a move given the fact that the revenue recovery mechanism (price cap) collects funds for energy-bill support,” one representative noted.

Electricity production company sources estimated the measure is worth roughly 400 million euros per year.