Utility bills
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-02-14 15:13
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today's sitting addressed the sixth question, which was presented by Riigikogu member Aleksei Jevgrafov to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding utility bills. The question focused on the high utility bills of Narva residents, which reached 300–500 euros per apartment in January. Jevgrafov pointed out that this constitutes a socio-economic catastrophe, considering the region's economic situation, high unemployment, and the large proportion of elderly residents.
The Prime Minister responded that Narva's heating sector problems stem from Eesti Energia's plans to replace the oil shale-based district heating system with one based on gas and geothermal energy, which will only be launched in 2029. Until then, biomass is being added to oil shale to lower the price of heat. The Prime Minister emphasized that pensions have risen significantly—by 17.6% last year, and nearly 20% when factoring in the income tax exemption. During the discussion, proposals were made to reduce the self-financing requirement for building renovation to 10% and to channel revenue obtained from CO2 quotas toward lowering heating prices in Narva.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were made during the session, but existing measures aimed at supporting Ida-Virumaa were discussed, including the allocation of 25 million euros for building renovations with a 70% subsidy rate, and the utilization of resources from the Just Transition Fund to assist the region.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant was Aleksei Yevgrafov, who raised the main question and follow-up questions regarding the rising cost of utility bills in Narva. He took a critical stance towards the government's policy, accusing it of contributing to a socio-economic catastrophe, and made constructive proposals for increasing renovation subsidies. Yevgrafov represented the opposition viewpoint, stressing the government's responsibility for the difficult economic situation faced by the people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Aleksei Yevgrafov is posing a question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas concerning utility bills.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov emphasized the impact of the large utility bills faced by Narva residents in January and the deepening economic crisis, noting that many have to take out loans to cover the bills, and criticized the government's policy, including the car tax bill, and asked the Prime Minister what the state should do for pensioners, low-income families, and large families.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated, in order to ensure the sustainability of the heating price in Narva, that Eesti Energia plans to replace oil shale-based district heating with gas, geothermal energy, and biomethane, and the planned 100 MW gas-hydrogen power plant could increase supply security. However, until this is realized, biomass will also be used, and the Narva price remains among the most affordable in Estonia, while pensions have grown significantly in recent years.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the participants and asked Aleksei Yevgrafov for a clarifying question.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov criticizes the prime minister for shirking responsibility, citing the rise in heating energy prices in Narva and the deficiencies in the housing stock of Ida-Virumaa as examples. He proposes that the state increase funding and cap the required co-financing at a maximum of 10%, which would encourage renovation, reduce utility costs, and boost employment in the construction sector.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas announced that 25 million euros would be allocated to Ida-Virumaa for building renovation, with a 70% subsidy rate. The plan involves renovating 30 apartment buildings and establishing a network of consultants and construction contractors, utilizing a state loan and a guarantee from the Foundation for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Furthermore, the Ida-Viru County Municipalities Association will organize a consulting program for approximately 30 housing associations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks [the previous speaker] and invites Lauri Laats to ask a follow-up question.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats claims that the heating problem in Narva is primarily caused by the state-owned company Enefit Power and the rising price of CO2 quotas. He emphasizes that the Narva City Government has made significant efforts and investments, and suggests directing the additional revenue generated from CO2 quotas to Narva in order to lower the heating price. He then asks how the government will respond to this proposal.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that the government has channeled significant resources and support to Ida-Viru County (including CO2 funds and renovation subsidies) and is working to solve the region's socio-economic problems by establishing a new cogeneration plant and mitigating heating issues, while simultaneously stressing the need for regional balance.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and today concludes the handling of our sixth agenda item.