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 well as the cost of electricity production in Europe.
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 changes to the price cap have 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 electricity production and import. He believes that increasing the price cap will lead to a more competitive market and better conditions for both consumers and energy companies.
In addition to addressing the issue of high electricity prices, Nahorniak’s proposal also aims to reduce the country’s dependence on Russian energy imports. By increasing the price cap and making it more attractive for European energy suppliers to enter the Ukrainian market, Ukraine can reduce its reliance on Russian energy and strengthen its energy security.
The proposed changes to the price cap have the potential to bring significant benefits to the Ukrainian energy sector and the country as a whole. By ensuring a stable supply of electricity and reducing the risk of power outages, businesses can operate more efficiently and consumers can have access to affordable and reliable energy. Moreover, by reducing the country’s dependence on Russian energy, Ukraine can strengthen its economic and political independence.
In conclusion, the proposal to change the price cap for electricity imports from Europe is a necessary step towards ensuring a stable and competitive energy market in Ukraine. It has received support from experts and businesses alike and has the potential to bring significant benefits to the country. It is now up to the government to take action and implement these changes in order to improve the energy sector and the lives of Ukrainian citizens.
