Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE)
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
A strong focus is placed on the strategic management and security of energy policy, supporting fossil fuel (oil shale) based base load capacity instead of intermittent power (wind, solar), while emphasizing economic and emissions equity. It sharply criticizes political opportunism, such as ministerial decisions made prior to local government elections, and condemns the abuse of the word "justice" in the energy debate. The entire framework is strongly policy- and security-driven.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound technical and economic expertise in the energy sector, utilizing specific terminology like frequency regulation reserve, balancing capacity, and island operation. It provides concrete data regarding fuel prices (Rotterdam gas, oil shale price) and energy production efficiency (tons of oil shale per MWh at Auvere). It consistently clarifies the relationship between intermittent electricity generation and the requirement for balancing capacity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly combative, direct, and detailed, containing sharp political attacks and accusations (e.g., the Social Democrats' "mantra" and the Reform Party's "political-technological mumbo-jumbo"). It employs logical argumentation and data (price gradations, fuel consumption), but also includes personal remarks and warnings (e.g., regarding a colleague's naivety). The tone is rather skeptical and cautionary.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speaks actively at the Riigikogu session, participating in a thorough debate on amending the Electricity Market Act, presenting both questions and extended viewpoints. Refers to previous conversations with the Deputy Secretary General and analyses (analysis of the Texas region in the USA), which demonstrates continuous engagement with the energy topic.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats (Riina Sikkut) and the Reform Party. The criticism directed at the SDE targets their decisions made during their time in government and their political dishonesty, accusing them of engaging in harmful activities under the guise of good intentions. The Reform Party is accused of using political technological spin and obfuscation regarding the oil shale issue. The criticism is intense and includes both policy-based and personal accusations (such as Sikkut’s previous actions in obstructing an energy company).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It does not indicate direct cooperation, but acknowledges the ideas of the opposing party (colleague Kadastik) that align with the truth regarding the fundamental principles of the energy sector, demonstrating a willingness to recognize fact-based points of agreement. Overall, the tone is skeptical and cautionary, emphasizing that legislative loopholes must not be created.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia's national energy policy and security, especially in establishing readiness for isolated operation mode and disconnecting from the Russian grid. It mentions specific Estonian energy production units (Auvere, Kiisa power plant) and local costs (Elering's cost).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The preference is for economically advantageous solutions, emphasizing oil shale's significantly lower fuel cost (half the price) compared to imported gas. It issues a warning against the exploitation of legislative loopholes, which could drive up electricity prices and related costs for Estonian consumers (citing the Kiisa plant sales scheme and arbitration as examples). The focus is on supporting fiscal prudence in energy governance, rather than relying on temporary political decisions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act (555 SE), taking the role of a critical opponent or skeptic who warns specifically about the bill’s lack of thorough consideration and the potential for high associated costs. The primary concern is the regulation of system services (specifically frequency reserve) and ensuring energy security. Furthermore, it criticizes earlier legislative frameworks that enabled businesses to misuse subsidies (referencing the 50 MW scheme).
5 Speeches Analyzed