Power utility PPC’s chief executive Giorgos Stassis has defended the company’s need to maintain a CO2 cost clause included in its electricity bills as protection against emission cost increases, at a meeting with RAE (Regulatory Authority for Energy) officials.

The authority is working on revisions aiming to simplify electricity-bill clauses for greater transparency to household and business consumers.

Numerous complaints have been made by customers feeling confused by the current terms. RAE wants to establish terms enabling clearer price comparisons of supplier terms.

PPC’s right to maintain its CO2 clause has been questioned. At the RAE meeting, held yesterday as part of ongoing public consultation, the power utility’s chief contended creditor banks insist on the measure’s maintenance, adding its cancellation would require further electricity tariff hikes.

RAE may decide to continue permitting CO2 clauses once the target model is introduced, according to sources. If so, the current format will be revised to  offer consumers clarity, the authority has already stressed. Decisions are expected in about two weeks.