The messages given to the political leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are alarming Energy Committee of the BSE, led by the president of the Association, Dimitris Papaleksopoulos, on the pressure that energy-intensive businesses face as a result of the energy crisis. As was characteristically said at yesterday’s meeting with the Minister Kostas Skrekas, “the energy crisis is now creating objective difficulties in the smooth operation of production in Greece, threatening energy-intensive enterprises in all industries.” The adjustment, stresses the Energy Committee of the BSE, is necessary in order not to cause serious damage to the production activities and competitiveness of Greek enterprises, which could create significant risks for survival in both the short and long term.

The Committee presented the Minister with five proposals for the smooth operation of the energy market and support for the competitiveness of the industry in the context of the energy crisis. The industry appears to be willing to engage in a short-term shutdown mechanism to save energy, but points to the need to operate the mechanism in a way that does not affect its smooth operation.

Priority is given to the issue of bilateral contracts.

He gave priority to the issue of bilateral contracts, recommending that they be brought into line with EU rules. for their exemption from the income ceiling. He also raised the issue of speeding up grid connection projects as needed to reduce dependence on more polluting fuels as well as reduce energy costs. According to the BSE, it is also essential to expedite the issuance of conditions and permits for connection, especially for RES projects. The fourth consecutive proposal of the BSE Energy Committee concerns changes in the current regime of cross-border interconnections, which are of a short-term nature and serve as a deterrent to creating economies of scale and accelerating investment. It was proposed to institutionalize the procedures of multi-year rights (more than five years) in cross-border communications with other states. Finally, the Commission proposes energy savings everywhere, from public buildings and commercial premises to households and transport, as well as in industry.

Finally, it was pointed out that a vote on a €10/MWh charge on natural gas used to generate electricity would significantly increase the cost of electricity at a time when the country’s enterprises struggle to remain competitive.