Opposition Criticises Sakova's Bill on Targeted Energy Assistance

Bratislava, 25 September (TASR) - The bill on targeted energy assistance only creates a framework for what it should look like, but no one knows what it will specifically contain, said opposition MPs Ivan Stefunko (Progressive Slovakia/PS), Karol Galek and Marian Viskupic (both Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) on Thursday during a debate on a fast-tracked legislative procedure for the bill. At present, it is also unclear whether this assistance will take the form of energy vouchers or some kind of relief from energy bills. Galek said that energy vouchers worth €300 per household would cost the state €720 million or, with €500 vouchers, €1.4 billion. In comparison with across-the-board energy aid totaling €477 million, the savings achieved with the bill on targeted assistance would come in at €23.8 million. However, the bill also contains technical assistance, which amounts to €18 million. "In the end, thanks to targeted aid for 95 percent [of households], we might end up paying even more than with across-the-board aid," said Galek. Stefunko called on Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) to present specific figures and mechanisms for targeted aid. At the same time, the government should address the issue of households that burn wood for heating. According to Viskupic, there are households in Slovakia facing energy poverty, but they don't make up all the 95 percent, as that includes those heating their swimming pools, thus consuming more power. The scheme won't be fair to all households, therefore. "We've got this fast-tracked legislative procedure that didn't need to exist and shouldn't have done so. The bill, in order to get through the entire legislative process, including comments from experts, the public and suppliers, should have been in the works no later than in January. According to available information, suppliers don't even know what the future holds for them," said Viskupic. jrg/df