Hearing on Elering's Strategy (No. 741)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2025-09-09 00:43
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 16m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This agenda item contained the inquiry presented by Members of the Riigikogu – Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart – on April 7th regarding Elering’s strategy. As Lauri Laats was not present, the inquiry was presented on behalf of Riigikogu Member Vadim Belobrovtsev. The content of the inquiry focused on Elering’s network strategy: whether and how Estonia’s socio-economic impacts are considered, how far operational decisions are based on analyses or authority, and what the profitability is for cross-border connection projects. Furthermore, the priority of developing the domestic network, Baltic regional connections, and the intention for the Estonia-Latvia fourth connection were addressed.
In the second part, the highest-ranking representative of national energy policy, Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Suti, answered the questions presented by the inquirers. During the responses, it was emphasized that Elering operates in accordance with the state's development plans and European Union energy policy, and the goal is to ensure a long-term competitive electricity price and supply reliability. It was also highlighted that the development of the European electricity transmission network and profitability analyses are coordinated at the ENTSO-E and commission and regulatory authority level, and that nationwide cost allocation mechanisms are used for connections. At the end of the debate, no final legislative decisions were made; the discussion will continue, and a request was made to publish more detailed analyses and calculations. Additionally, critical observations arose regarding the profitability and independence of cross-border connections, and a discussion ensued about whether and to what extent domestic networks should be prioritized for investment.
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not made.
Most Active Speaker
Rain Epler (rx1gaVuW0Ng) voiced sharp and wide-ranging criticism of the government's energy policy and European Union trends in negotiations, using strong language (e.g., "liberal democratic totalitarianism" and "strong language"). He represented the right-wing opposition.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman informed the body that today's agenda item is the interpellation regarding Elering's strategy, submitted on April 7th by Riigikogu members Lauri Laats, Aleksandr Tšaplõgin, Andrei Korobeinik, Vadim Belobrovtsev, Aleksei Jevgrafov, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart. Noting Lauri Laats' absence, he asked Vadim Belobrovtsev, who was present, to introduce the interpellation.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Dear Minister, we kindly request confirmation as to whether you are aware that Elering considers only the needs of the European single market in its decisions and that the socio-economic impacts on Estonia are not taken into account, what analyses or mandates have been provided for this, what the profitability calculations for external connections are, and whether the development of domestic networks is not a priority when the investment in the fourth Estonia-Latvia interconnection is being considered.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the members and asks that the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, be invited to the Riigikogu rostrum to respond to the interpellation.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt emphasizes that Elering takes socio-economic impacts into account in its decisions. The functioning of the regional market ensures more favorable electricity prices for Estonian consumers and businesses. Analyses conducted regarding the cost-effectiveness of external connections show significant benefits, and the development of the domestic network is continuing. Simultaneously, Estonia will consider the decision on the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection project in 2027, provided that the prerequisites are met.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the audience and now opens the floor for questions, inviting Vadim Belobrovtsev to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The question facing Elering is whether its strategies and conduct should prioritize Estonia's socio-economic impact or the needs of the European single market.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that the owner has set a clear goal for Elering: a competitive final price while simultaneously ensuring interconnections, security of supply, crisis resilience, and security, along with the use of reliable technology and technology partners from trustworthy countries.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the minister, stated that there were no questions, opened the debate, and invited his colleague Rain Epler to the podium.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes liberal-democratic totalitarianism and the European energy market’s reliance on fossil fuels and imports. He calls on Estonia to end its excessive obsession with solar and wind energy and return to its status as an electricity exporter, which it held in 2018.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman concludes the consideration of the tenth item on today's agenda and closes the debate.