[Cyprus Times] Strong concern from the trade unions of AHK over draft decisions of RAEK on RES projects

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Strong concern from AHK's unions over draft RAEK decisions on RES projects The unions refer to "wrong decisions" that lead to damage to all consumers on the altar of creating an Electricity Market that, instead of reducing, [/B][/P]

In a joint statement, the guilds SEDEKEK PEO, SEPAEK and SYBAEK say they are following "with deep concern and concern" the developments in the electricity sector and in particular the two draft decisions of RAEK, which have been put to public consultation. Specifically, on the plan for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources with the final outcome of the integration of projects in the competitive electricity market and on the regulation of the development of renewable energy projects for electricity production by the AHK.

The above drafts, the statement said, "clearly demonstrate RAEK's strategy not to allow AHK to compete on a level playing field but to burden it with heavy weights with the ultimate aim of its collapse".

The unions refer to "wrong decisions" that do not take into account "the particularities of our small and electrically isolated country" and that lead to harm to all consumers on the altar of creating an Electricity Market that, instead of reducing, will increase the cost of electricity, further burdening the Cypriot consumer.

They report that, in addition to the recent draft decision of the RAEC restricting AHK to develop its own RES projects, in a letter in 2019 it prohibited AHK from tendering for the purchase of energy from other RES producers with long-term contracts (AHK's tender). By its decision in 2021, RAEC upheld this ban, it added.

"RAEC excludes AHK from any attempt to adapt to the market in order to reduce its costs, either by developing its own RES or by purchasing cheap energy from third-party RES producers," they said. "In other words, a situation is created where some suppliers will be able to buy cheap energy, while this possibility is excluded for AHK, since independent producers are denied the right to contract with AHK," the statement says.

The unions question whether this is the competition that RAEK is invoking. "Does this mean that the benefit of cheaper production does not go to the consumer but to the pockets of certain participants in the market?" they ask.

They stress that, despite the interventions of the trade unions of AEC and other bodies to correct this disastrous course, there has been no response from RAEK.

"It is now clear that RAEK's aim is to create a "competitive" Electricity Market for the benefit of some, to the detriment of AHK and, by extension, the Cypriot consumer", the statement reads.

The recent letter of the Auditor General to RAEK, it added, which has seen the light of day, "and which correctly identifies RAEK's interventions to implement AHK's objectives to create a generation mix for the benefit of the consumer, fully reflects the current reality".

In fact, it says, at the same time that the Auditor General was requesting information on the matter, the RAEC issued a draft notice for a complete ban on AEC's development, management and operation of renewable energy projects, "thus revealing its objectives".

The guilds state that, any interference with the Strategic Plan of AEC to achieve its objectives and mission is not acceptable, nor is any interference with AEC and its efforts to create a generation mix for the benefit of the consumer.

They call on the State and the relevant Ministries to immediately remove any obstacles and barriers put forward to the Agency's efforts for proper staffing, growth and competitiveness.

They also state that they are ready to defend the role of the EAC and to stand as a barrier to these plans.

They call on the Management and the Management of the Agency to take all those actions that protect the role of AHK and the interests of consumers, implementing the necessary strategic decisions for the proper and healthy development of AHK, the implementation of renewable energy projects and the necessary staffing of the Agency, "thus addressing the hostile environment created by third parties who bear unlimited responsibility."

The announcement is communicated to the Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Board Members of RAEK and AHK, the General Manager, the Director of Human Resources and Executive Directors of AHK and the Directors of Key Regulated Activities of AHK.

Source: CNA

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