Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE)
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government's renewable energy strategy, which is being called "strategic confusion" and "a major failure." The speaker emphasizes that despite the state's ambitious goals, bureaucracy and monopolistic grid conditions (such as an 8.6 million euro connection fee) are hindering practical production development. The focus is on the divergence between policy and actual performance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in energy and regulatory matters, employing specific terminology like frequency reserve, integrated permit, infrasound measurement, and Best Available Technology (BAT). This expertise is further illustrated by a personal anecdote regarding the connection fee for a 25 kW production unit with Elering, which clearly points to systemic problems. Furthermore, they possess a strong understanding of how the Industrial Emissions Act and nature conservation restrictions affect the siting of wind farms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and anecdotal, blending personal experience (the example of 8.6 million euros) with wide-ranging political criticism. Strong language is used (e.g., "strategic confusion," "major failure") and paradoxes are highlighted to render the energy topic incomprehensible and monopolistic. The tone is concerned and accusatory, emphasizing the injustice faced by rural residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, mentioning recent participation on the Economic Affairs Committee, where they introduced the current draft legislation. They also referenced earlier debates held on the floor (Põxit, the energy crisis), which demonstrates consistent involvement in energy-related discussions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the state's strategic management and the monopolistic grid operator, Elering, whose connection fees are unreasonable and impede small-scale production. Additionally, criticism is directed at those who devalue residents of sparsely populated areas, labeling them as having lower levels of education and awareness. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the opposing side of strategic confusion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker indicates a readiness to submit proposals (e.g., in the Economic Affairs Committee) but notes that symbolic steps (such as waiving fees) are not being accepted. He/She highlights the Social Democrats' (Sotsiaaldemokraadid) belated understanding of the failure of the energy sector, pointing to a possible, albeit late, consensus regarding the nature of the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily directed at rural, sparsely populated areas where wind farms are being constructed, highlighting the unfair treatment and lack of certainty experienced by these communities. Pärnu County is specifically cited as the epicenter of renewable energy, along with the Sopi-Tootsi park. He/She is demanding direct concessions (the elimination of fees/charges) for these regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views focus on regulating monopolies and support incentivizing renewable energy production through direct economic measures. He/She advocates for abolishing the renewable energy charge and offering network fee concessions (up to zero euros) to households located in the impact zone of wind farms, in order to ensure the nation's energy security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The dignity of residents in sparsely populated areas is being raised as a social issue, sharply criticizing claims regarding their lower levels of education and awareness. It is emphasized that these communities feel like a problem for society due to energy projects, which necessitates offering them a sense of security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE) and, more broadly, the tightening of regulations concerning renewable energy. The priority is subjecting renewable energy to the integrated permit procedure and introducing the requirement to use Best Available Technology (BAT) into the Industrial Emissions Act, in order to ensure greater certainty for communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed