Agenda Profile: Mario Kadastik
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE)
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strong support for Bill 555 SE, underscoring its critical necessity for ensuring Estonia’s energy security following the disconnection from the Russian grid. The political stance focuses on the regulation and financing of system services (frequency reserve and island mode operation), supporting the continued viability of oil shale power plants during the transition period. This position is heavily rooted in policy and security considerations, defending the chosen financing methodology as the optimal solution for consumers.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates high technical proficiency in the electricity market, providing a detailed explanation of balancing capacity procurement, settlement procedures, and the operation of the frequency reserve market. It utilizes specific terminology (e.g., imbalance, aggregators, the 15-minute market) and references concrete figures and projections (e.g., a cost forecast of 60 million euros and a fee of 5.39 euros/MWh). The content relies directly on the positions and analyses provided by experts (Elering, the Competition Authority, the Ministry of Climate).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and detailed during the committee report phase, focusing specifically on procedural steps and the substance of the proposed amendments. In the ensuing debate, however, the tone shifts dramatically, becoming sharp, direct, and combative. This involves accusing the opposition (Urmas Reinsalu) of populism, "deliberate falsehoods," and aggressively extrapolating figures. The speaker heavily relies on logic and facts, attempting to disprove the high cost projections put forward by the opponents.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active in the legislative process, chairing the work of the Economic Affairs Committee and various working groups during multiple sessions (in March and April), and personally submitting amendments. This involved close communication with the ministry and relevant agencies, which resulted either in the withdrawal of personal proposals or their substantive consideration. The procedural pace is intense and focused on the rapid advancement of the draft bill.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is primarily aimed at the Isamaa faction (Urmas Reinsalu and Rain Epler), criticizing their political rhetoric as "total populism" and highlighting the baselessness of their numerical claims (e.g., a cost of 120 million euros). The criticism is also directed at Isamaa's contradictory behavior, as they are attempting to halt a bill designed to keep the oil shale energy sector viable. The opponents' arguments are being refuted using technical details and market forecasts.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It maintains close cooperation with the Ministry of Climate, Elering, and the Competition Authority to ensure the draft bill's regulatory correctness and optimal methodology. It broadly engaged stakeholders (such as balance responsible parties and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and took their feedback into account, but the leading committee rejected the amendment proposal by the Isamaa faction concerning the financing of island operation, deeming it unfair to the consumer.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian national energy security and ensuring the system's firm capacity, which is specifically tied to maintaining the viability of Estonia's oil shale energy sector (island operation). It compares Estonia's situation and financing methodologies with the experiences of neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania) in the frequency reserve market. Specific Estonian energy facilities are also mentioned, such as the Kiisa emergency power plant and the Harju-Risti battery park.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The proposal advocates for dividing the costs of system services (frequency reserve) equally between consumers and producers (50/50). This is intended to prevent undermining the competitiveness of Estonian producers in neighboring markets and to keep the final price lower for consumers. It emphasizes that the financing methodology must be flexible and approved by the Competition Authority to accurately reflect actual market costs. Furthermore, it supports using congestion revenue to reduce the Elering tariff.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is Draft Act 555 SE, which amends the Electricity Market Act and regulates the creation and financing of frequency reserve and island operation services. [The subject] is acting as the rapporteur for the leading committee on the draft, supporting its swift adoption while rejecting the Isamaa party’s proposal regarding the financing of island operation. [The subject] notes that ENMAK (the Energy Sector Development Plan) is scheduled to go before the government in the coming months, but it is not directly related to the draft act currently under discussion.
14 Speeches Analyzed