Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik

Inquiry Regarding the Electricity Supply of Saaremaa (No. 68)

2024-01-22

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political focus is currently on the critically poor electricity supply situation on Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, demanding swift and concrete steps to remedy the situation. The attitude towards the government's actions is highly critical, especially concerning the lengthy response time to the inquiry (8 months) and the withdrawal of the 100 million euros previously promised for grid improvements. It is stressed that developing the electricity grids is an unavoidable prerequisite for the green transition and the adoption of renewable energy. The political framework is strongly results-oriented, focusing on infrastructure failure.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrated a deep understanding of the energy infrastructure, specifically referencing the 330-kilovolt line and the technical limitations inherent in local grids. They employed specific terminology, clarifying that current capacities cannot support new solar or wind farms, and that the networks are "completely saturated." The discussion also highlighted the conflict between environmental protection and the need to expand transmission line corridors, necessitating the alignment of the minister's dual portfolios.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is direct, pragmatic, and insistent, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem through personal examples (such as the lack of electricity at home and frequent outages on Saaremaa). Both logical arguments are utilized (referencing 100 million and 600 million euros from the CO2 quota fee) and an emotional appeal, demanding a realistic approach to the green transition. The government's swift work is mentioned sarcastically.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action pattern involves holding the government accountable through a prolonged inquiry, the response to which took eight months. The speaker refers to frequent and recent outages in Saaremaa (three days in a row this week), which indicates continuous engagement with the local crisis. The action is reactive to existing problems and government delays.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the inaction and inefficiency of the government and the minister, particularly regarding investment decisions and how CO2 quota funds are utilized. Critics point to procedural delays and the channeling of funds into the state budget rather than directing them straight into green investments for infrastructure networks. The criticism is fundamentally based on policy and procedure.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speakers demonstrate cooperation among colleagues, supporting and complementing the aspects presented by one another (referencing Aivar's mentioned topics). Solutions are demanded from the Minister, especially for simultaneously resolving the issues of nature conservation and electricity supply. There are no references to cross-party cooperation.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on the electricity supply issues in Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, as well as the recent power outage on the Juminda peninsula. Emphasis is placed on the condition of local grids and the daily hardships faced by residents in these areas, citing the limited capacity of the Hiiumaa solar park as an example.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective emphasizes the necessity of channeling state revenues (especially the CO2 quota fee, 600 million euros) directly into infrastructure development to secure the prerequisites for the green transition and the adoption of renewable energy. Investments in the networks are viewed as essential and a forward-looking plan that would enable economic development (e.g., electric vehicle charging).

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to the quality of life, which is negatively impacted by frequent power outages and the inability to utilize modern solutions, such as charging electric vehicles at home. It is stressed that the unreliable grid impedes the adoption of a green mindset and technological progress, causing constant inconvenience for residents.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards the government's action plan, demanding concrete steps to ensure the security of electricity supply during extreme weather conditions and requiring clarification regarding the plan for the construction of the 330 kV line. A significant priority is the allocation of CO2 quota revenue towards the improvement of local networks, citing the European Union requirement that at least half of the funds must be channeled into the green transition.

3 Speeches Analyzed