Filenews 7 July 2022 - Chrysanthos Manolis
The voices and protests of citizens who decide to take advantage of the plans of the Ministry of Energy for the installation of photovoltaic panels, with the securing of state sponsorship, but are not allowed to install systems with abundant cheap and "green" production, which will ensure them a comfortable living (with unlimited use of the electrical appliances of their desire), seem to be taking place, in part.
There is currently no final decision that differentiates the regulation that does not allow households to install photovoltaics for energy production beyond 100% of the consumption they had the previous year, but if anything our information indicates that the protests have alarmed the competent authorities, who initiated a process of reassessment of this regulation.
We would like to remind you that before the announcement of the current plan, which sets the 100% restriction, another regulation was in force, which lowered the restrictive percentage to 90%, with the result that those who chose, bearing the burden of the investment in the panels, to install photovoltaics to protect themselves from the cost of expensive electricity, were obliged to consume fewer kilowatt hours than their family needs and the quality of life they choose, essentially continuing to save electricity, so that they do not have to pay for it.
Second thoughts
Our information indicates that there is a competent awareness that the degree of savings / deprivation made by the consumer in previous years, the future increase in consumption, eg. resulting from a new member of the family (although there are also cases of reduction in the number of tenants) and the change of heating mode from conventional fuels to heat pump. There seems to be an additional problem with mainly mountainous areas, where consumers want to change the way they are heated to a heat pump, but due to the fact that the electrical supply in most mountain communities is single-phase, they are entitled to a photovoltaic system up to a maximum of 4.16KW. Obviously, this was one of the reasons why, at last Friday's meeting at the Presidential Palace, the strong need for an upgrade/redesign of the Transmission and Distribution system was highlighted. Obviously, if it is finally decided to abolish the 100% restriction or replace it with another, more relaxed one, provision will be made for those who have already installed to have the right to strengthen their photovoltaics, following the current regulations.
''Fewer kilowatts, to put more"
On the other hand, it is competently stated that one of the reasons for the restriction of 100% of last year's consumption is related to the need for the proper functioning of the distribution network and the desire to have the ability to have as many consumers as possible in a neighbourhood or area to instal photovoltaics. As we have been told, if everyone is left to put 5 or 6 kilowatts of photovoltaics, while as a rule 3 or 4 are needed, they de facto reduce the possibilities of the network to connect new photovoltaics, as it is saturated. The same source told us that it is a false impression that the installation of photovoltaic panels is associated with the consumption of cheap energy without financial restrictions or without environmental consciousness, especially when this possibility is associated with unnecessary investments, which basically serve the companies - installers.
Consumer complaints about photovoltaics
A reader of "Phileleftheros" in a letter presents various parameters of the problems caused by the regulation for 100% of last year's consumption.
Writes the reader, in whose place are hundreds or thousands of other energy consumers: "I would like to submit as a complaint an issue that concerns the daily life of every citizen, but also the state as a whole. I would like to refer to the regulations of the EAC (the regulation is of the Ministry of Energy, as well as the subsidy plan) for the installation of photovoltaic systems, based on which the installation of photovoltaic systems that represent 100% of last year's consumption of a household is allowed. I, in particular, like many other acquaintances and friends, but I imagine now the largest percentage of the population, we make a lot of savings, so that the bimonthly electricity bill does not skyrocket (we did not use air conditioners, electric radiators, etc.). Based on the existing regulations, we can install photovoltaics that will cover 100% of our last year's consumption.
However, the following paradox arises for the whole world: While during the past year we saved on electricity consumption (so our annual consumption in kilowatt-hours was much less than it would normally be), if we go to apply to EAC for a license to install photovoltaics, we will be told that based on the regulations the power of the photovoltaic systems we will install should be such that it only covers 100% of our last year's consumption, that is, if we need to consume more electricity we will have to pay for it. With this in mind, we will not be able to use air conditioners, electric radiators, etc. again. There is absolutely no point in giving away a few thousand euros to install photovoltaics and having to save money again. Instead of 5 kw which would be our normal annual needs, the EAC allows us to install only 3 kw."
Although we do not agree that "there is absolutely no point in giving a few thousand euros to install photovoltaics and being forced to make savings again (i.e. photovoltaics, even for less power than the considered real needs, ensure a substantial reduction in the burden, so again there will be a benefit for the consumer) we understand that this typical complaint, as well as many other similar ones, is to be evaluated by the Ministry of Energy, CERA and perhaps the Distribution Operator (EAC).
"Green" fuels gas and nuclear energy
At the same time (yesterday) that the European Parliament took a decision to approve, by a majority, the European Commission's proposal to classify investments in natural gas and nuclear energy as environmentally friendly, the Austrian Government announced that it would legally appeal against the Decision of the European Union.
Austrian Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gevesler said that "especially with the war in Ukraine, we cannot have a program of greenwashing of investments in nuclear energy and fossil gas." He added: "Nuclear power and natural gas do not contribute to climate protection. That is why, as soon as this greenwashing programme enters into force, Austria will file with the Court of Justice of the EU its already prepared appeal against it. In fact, the minister said that Austria would seek to include other member states as allies in its appeal.
On the substance, yesterday the European Parliament rejected the proposal of the competent committee of Parliament not to include nuclear energy and gas in the list of environmentally sustainable economic activities, as proposed by the Commission.
The objection to the Commission's proposal was rejected by 278 votes in favour, 328 against and 33 abstentions. The Commission's proposal required an absolute majority of 353 MEPs to be rejected. If by 11 July 2022 the proposal is not opposed by the European Council either, the delegated act on the EU Taxonomy will enter into force on 1 January 2023.
The European Commission believes that private investment in gas and nuclear activities can contribute to the green transition, as fuel bridges. For this reason, it proposed to classify certain activities in these areas as transitional activities contributing to climate change mitigation. The integration of specific activities in the gas and nuclear sectors will be valid for a limited period of time.
APORIA
Should we all put? Can we?
If indeed the electricity distribution network cannot accommodate as many rooftop photovoltaic panels as consumers would like, so that they consume plenty of cheap electricity, it should be said officially and with data. The Government, with the continuous plans that it rightly announces for the subsidy of residential photovoltaics, gives the impression that the more installed, the better. Many say that, just as we all put solar water heaters, we all have to put photovoltaics on as well. Can we really, though? Even virtually? Does the network have limits and if so, what are they? And in which areas are the boundaries close to being exceeded? H.M.
