The RES special account’s deficit forecast for the end of 2020 is not the result of the global pandemic’s impact on markets but the government’s reduction, last year, of the RES-supporting ERMEAR surcharge covered by consumers, SPEF, the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Energy Producers contends, backing the claim with its own related study.

The RES special account deficit at the end of this year would have existed even without the consequences of the pandemic, the association noted, adding the account would have ended the year with a narrow deficit had the ETMEAR surcharge not been reduced.

SPEF hit out in response to a government call for widespread RES account support from all social groups, including RES producers. The energy ministry noted this general call-up has been made necessary by the pandemic’s effects.

RES market operator DAPEEP recently forecast an end-of-year RES special account deficit of 224.4 million euros, including a 70 million-euro safety reserve. Certain pundits believe this is a mild projection, warning the deficit will be deeper.