OUR Greek economy especially sensitive to fluctuations international energy prices due to high dependence on fossil fueland despite the support provided, prices can have a strong impact on industry and low-income households, notes commission. Especially for vulnerable households European Commission indicates that it can be difficult to keep their homes warm enough and pay their bills on time current And natural gas.

The high dependence of the Greek economy on fossil fuels has been reflected in energy prices in the first half of 2022, according to the Commission. Industrial prices in Greece were higher than the EU average. In contrast, household tariff prices, although rising, were much lower than the EU average. In the same period, natural gas prices for domestic consumption rose above the EU average. Finally, thanks to subsidies Energy Transition Fund and the state budget (8 billion euros), prices for consumers were reduced by 50% for natural gas and up to 90% for electricity.

The Commission’s report acknowledges a number of positive interventions in the electricity market, but notes that Greece is lagging behind in certain areas that could potentially deprive consumers of access to more affordable energy and undermine their ability to participate in the energy transition.

As one such aspect, he points to Greece’s lagging behind in the adoption of smart meters, a tool he notes allows consumers to actively participate in the market. This tool, combined with demand reduction, plays an important role in combating the current crisis and high energy prices faced by consumers, the authors of the report say. In Greece, smart meters are installed at just 3% compared to the European average of 54%. The second aspect is the high stakes. checkpoint in the retail market, well above the 50% target set by national legislation.

The Commission recommends reducing dependence on fossil fuels by further accelerating the diversification of energy supply routes and accelerating renewable energy sources. We are talking about further rationalization of the RES licensing system, completion of the regulatory framework for hydrogen and offshore wind farms, as well as creating the basis for biomethane. It also recommends focusing on self-consumption and energy communities to increase public acceptance of RES, as well as energy efficiency auctions.