In order to ensure stable electricity imports from Europe and reduce power outages, it is necessary to change the price cap — the maximum prices on the market. This was stated on November 25th during the «Unified Marathon» broadcast on the ICTV channel by Serhiy Nahorniak, a member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services and a member of the «Servant of the People» party.
Nahorniak emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of high electricity prices in Ukraine, which have been a major concern for both consumers and businesses. He pointed out that the current price cap, set at 1.68 hryvnias per kilowatt-hour, is not sufficient to cover the costs of importing electricity from Europe. As a result, Ukrainian energy companies are forced to sell electricity at a loss, leading to financial difficulties and potential power outages.
To address this issue, Nahorniak proposed increasing the price cap to 2.5 hryvnias per kilowatt-hour. This would allow energy companies to cover their costs and ensure a stable supply of electricity for Ukrainian consumers. He also suggested implementing a mechanism for adjusting the price cap based on the exchange rate of the hryvnia to the euro, as the majority of electricity imports come from European countries.
Nahorniak’s proposal has received support from other experts in the energy sector. Oleksandr Dombrovskyi, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, believes that increasing the price cap is necessary to ensure the stability of the energy market and attract investment in the sector. He also noted that the current price cap was set in 2017 and needs to be adjusted to reflect the current economic situation.
The proposed change in the price cap has also been welcomed by Ukrainian businesses. Oleksandr Kovalenko, the head of the Association of Energy Suppliers of Ukraine, stated that the current price cap is not realistic and does not reflect the actual costs of importing electricity. He believes that increasing the price cap will lead to a more competitive market and ultimately benefit consumers.
In addition to addressing the issue of high electricity prices, Nahorniak’s proposal also aims to reduce the number of power outages in Ukraine. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, there were over 3,000 power outages in the country in 2019, causing significant inconvenience and financial losses for businesses. By increasing the price cap and ensuring a stable supply of electricity, it is expected that the number of power outages will decrease.
The proposed change in the price cap has already been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration. If approved, it will be a significant step towards improving the energy sector in Ukraine and ensuring a stable supply of electricity for consumers. It will also send a positive signal to potential investors, showing that the Ukrainian government is committed to creating a favorable business environment in the energy sector.
In conclusion, the proposal to change the price cap for electricity imports from Europe is a necessary step towards ensuring a stable energy market in Ukraine. It will not only address the issue of high electricity prices but also reduce the number of power outages and attract investment in the sector. With the support of experts and businesses, it is hoped that this proposal will be approved and implemented in the near future, bringing positive changes to the energy sector and benefiting Ukrainian consumers.