Government discusses rising energy prices
Ljubljana - The government discussed potential measures to contain the impact of soaring energy prices on Wednesday, but no measures have been taken yet pending a discussion on the matter at the EU summit.
A press release after the session said the government got acquainted with a report by a task force to contain energy prices, discussing potential measures where the task force limited its proposals to those identified as acceptable by the European Commission.
In the discussion about potential measures the government also took into consideration guidelines on state aids.
In the questions time in parliament on Monday Prime Minister Janez Janša announced concrete measures after the EU summit starting on Thursday. The topic will also be discussed next week by EU ministers in charge of energy.
"The whole world is dealing with the consequences of energy prices," said Janša, announcing that the government would take measures. He mentioned regulating margins on energy prices and energy vouchers for households at risk as two possible options.
Just today a number of NGOs and trade unions addressed a joint appeal to the government to take steps immediately to contain the impact of planned energy price hikes.
As one of the measures they propose freezing retail prices of electricity, natural gas, distance heating and extra light heating oil for half a year. They also call for a temporary reduction on VAT and excise duties on energy bills.
The organisations, which include several environmental NGOs and the Consumer Protection Association, also suggest banning cutting vulnerable households off from power or heating supply regardless of their failure to pay the bills until the end of the current heating season.
For vulnerable households they also propose energy vouchers of at least EUR 100.