Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura has announced that households in the Czech Republic could once again contribute to renewable energy sources starting next year. The payments to support renewable sources were temporarily waived due to a significant increase in energy prices from October last year until the present. However, as part of a consolidation package for the next two years, the government plans to reduce payments for renewable sources by 14 billion crowns.

Currently, the state bears the entire cost of supporting renewable sources, but the government is considering the extent to which households and businesses should contribute in the future. The decision on this matter is expected to be made in the second half of this year, taking into account energy prices. Minister Stanjura emphasized that the waiver of payments was temporary and that it is not surprising that households and businesses will once again financially participate in supporting renewable sources.

Prior to the waiver, households contributed 60 haléřs per kilowatt hour of electricity consumed to support renewable sources. This amounted to approximately 1800 crowns on the electricity bill for a yearly consumption of 3000 kWh. Those who relied on electricity for heating had even higher contributions due to their increased consumption.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will be responsible for ensuring savings from reduced payments, and negotiations with affected unions will play a significant role in determining the level at which costs for renewable sources will be reinstated.

The spike in energy prices following the Russian invasion led the government to cap prices for this year. However, due to favorable developments in wholesale markets, most energy suppliers currently offer prices below the ceiling. The decision to resume payments for renewable sources reflects the government’s commitment to providing long-term support for renewable energy and its positive environmental impact.

As negotiations progress, further updates regarding the resumption of payments for renewable sources will be provided. The government remains dedicated to promoting a greener and more sustainable future by encouraging the use of renewable energy in households and businesses.

Article by Prague Forum