The energy ministry is examining the possibility of easing the financial contributions of small-scale PV units – facilities with capacities of no more than 100 KW – to the “disruption management” plan, following requests made last week by renewable energy source (RES) representatives during a meeting hosted by the ministry, energypress has been informed by a leading ministry official and additional sources.

Following the meeting, during which energy minister Panos Skourletis updated energy industry officials spanning the entire sector on reform developments, including the “disruption management” plan – to 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 – it had been announced that certain revisions to the ‘distruption’ plan’s funding would be attempted, even if just marginal, based on observations and proposals by participants. No further information had been provided.

Originally, it had been planned for small-scale photovoltaic sector operators with facilities of up to 100 KW, barring household PVs, to contribute 3.6 percent of their total turnover to the “disruption management” plan. Wind-energy facility operators were planned to contribute 1.8 percent of turnover, and small-scale hydropower stations 0.8 percent of turnover. This plan had been endorsed by the European Commission during the pre-Syriza coalition’s tenure.

The 3.6 percent contribution of small-scale PV operators may now be reduced, while contributions by other RES sub-sectors could be increased to offset the cut.

Based on the aforementioned percentage figures, a total of about 48 million euros would be raised annually for the “disruption management” plan, although it is believed that no more than 30 million euros is required.

RES sector officials condemned the plan during Friday’s meeting, noting sector firms are being called upon to contribute to a mechanism that will ultimately benefit the industrial sector.