Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
Third Reading of the Draft Act (351 SE) concerning the Act amending the Electricity Market Act and other Acts (Termination of Universal Service and Ensuring Security of Supply)
2024-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's intervention in the energy market, criticizing the mandatory implementation and subsequent withdrawal of the universal service as inconsistent and "typical Social Democrat governance." The criticism is directed at the instability and unnecessary intervention characterizing the government's actions, which is framed as poor governing practice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise in energy market legislation (ELTS, MGS) and procedural documents (specifically, the table of remarks and proposals). Uses technical terminology such as "capacity payment" (or "reserve payment") and "cost of production," and cites in detail the standpoints of Eesti Energia and the Estonian Gas Association to demonstrate the complexity and deficiencies of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and ironic, especially when describing government intervention. The focus is on logical and procedural analysis, involving the reading aloud of long, technical quotes from stakeholder comments to emphasize the opacity and poor quality of the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is aimed at the government (referring to "the socialists"), which is criticized for over-regulation and inconsistent policy. Criticism is also directed at the legislative procedure, where substantive proposals from interest groups are ignored ("not taken into account" or merely "taken note of").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation with political colleagues. However, emphasis is placed on cooperating with and considering the views of market participants (Eesti Energia, Estonian Gas Association)—views which the government has previously disregarded—thereby positioning itself as the defender of those interests.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy market regulation and legislative amendments (ELTS, MGS) concerning the Estonian price area and the universal service. There is no specific regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports market-based solutions (spot price) and opposes disproportionate state intervention in the electricity market and market redistribution. It expresses clear support for business interests, backing the right of electricity retailers to retain customers for whose acquisition resources have been expended.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed only within the context of the universal service, criticizing the government's paternalistic approach ("should somehow help this person") and emphasizing that this is inconsistent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on reviewing and analyzing the Act amending the Electricity Market Act and other legislation (351 SE). Emphasis is placed on the procedural deficiencies in the lawmaking process, specifically where substantive proposals are disregarded. Furthermore, industry proposals supporting the faster implementation of the amendments and the prevention of market redistribution are backed.
2 Speeches Analyzed