Green "No" to the Planned E-Economy Law

The Green Party's parliamentary leader, Leonore Gewessler, demands a "quick" new draft of the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG). The current version hinders the energy transition and "punishes" climate protectors, according to the Green Party leader's criticism on Thursday. "As the draft currently stands, it is not approvable" - however, the law requires a two-thirds majority in the National Council, meaning it needs approval from either the FPÖ or the Greens in addition to the government.

Gewessler Demands "Quick" New Draft for Electricity Industry Act

In particular, the planned grid fees for fed-in electricity, which could also charge operators of PV systems on rooftops, are at the center of criticism. "I have to assume that Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (Energy Minister, ÖVP; note) and Elisabeth Zehetner (Energy State Secretary, ÖVP; note) have not yet realized that they are on the wrong track with the current draft." In light of more than 500 submissions during the recently concluded review period, Hattmannsdorfer is now required to present a "new, practical, and sensible" draft, said Gewessler after a meeting with industry representatives.

Fund as Alternative Proposal

While grid expansion is the order of the day, it should be organized and financed in such a way that "those who can afford it pay." The Green Party's alternative proposal is a grid infrastructure fund. There is potential for financing in the profits of the state energy suppliers, calculated the Green Party's parliamentary leader.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.