They are lying with unbelievable brazenness! Why?
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
Date: 2024-03-20 15:31
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This session addressed the development of external connections for energy networks, the impact of bottlenecks on energy prices, and financing issues related to the Estonia–Latvia and Estonia–Sooma connections. The debate that took place between the departments of the Ministry of Climate and members of the Riigikogu primarily concerned the use of congestion fees, the interrelation between the planning of offshore wind farms and grid connections, and funding sources, including European Union funds. Central to the criticism was the question of whether and how information should be disclosed to members of the Riigikogu, and whether concealed data has influenced decision-making processes. The issue raised brought up the topic of how bottlenecks and the density of northern and southern connections might affect electricity price formation, and what the plans and legitimate funding methods are for future projects.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was pid VrDPwHs2xBs (the Minister of the Ministry of Climate). His/Her position: other.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that the next question is directed to Climate Minister Kristen Michal and will be presented by Riigikogu member Rain Epler on the topic, "Incredibly Brazenly They Lie! Why?"
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler posed questions to the Riigikogu concerning the magnitude of network investments and the application of the congestion fee in the Paide–Sõrve and Estonia-Latvia connection projects. Furthermore, he accused the government and officials of lying to the Riigikogu and withholding information.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal explains that external connections are needed even without offshore wind farms, and the congestion fee is used to maintain and increase capacity (e.g., Estlink 3 and the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection). He emphasizes that the context of offshore wind farms does not change the need for other connections, and there is no hidden deception—this explanation helps us move forward calmly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks Rain Epler and asks him to pose a clarifying question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that although the initial response stated that they did not plan to use the congestion charge, the opposite became clear two days later. He asks why they don't simply state that the funding includes the congestion charge, while simultaneously referencing the bottleneck fee and the fact that the bottleneck in Estonia is located in the North. Furthermore, creating the fourth connection will increase the bottleneck, not reduce it. Therefore, why spend the congestion charge in the South when the actual concern lies in the North?
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that democracy entails the right to differing opinions and their peaceful expression, and confirmed that the response regarding the connections for offshore wind farms was correct. He stressed that we require connections with both Latvia and Finland, as well as desynchronization from the Russian frequency zone, and that the financing for these connections should come from the congestion fee and, if needed, from European Union funds. Furthermore, external connections must be built even if the wind farms are not constructed, because they are essential for the energy system.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked everyone and announced that the questioner would be allowed one clarifying question, and the right to a supplementary question might pass to another member of the Riigikogu. And now, since Aivar Kokk is present, he will be given the opportunity to ask a supplementary question.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk noted that the high-voltage line being built towards Latvia could raise electricity prices for Estonian consumers, and he stressed the importance of competition among various energy sources and promoting local production. This is necessary so that electricity generated in Estonia reaches consumers at a lower cost and network fees do not create an additional burden.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
He stated that in the future, larger renewable energy auctions will be held, sized according to Estonia's consumption volume. He added that connections and storage capacity are necessary, and renewable energy will help drive down electricity prices. However, the parliamentary debate regarding the adoption of nuclear energy must also continue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks everyone and concludes the consideration of today's seventh item.