How will the abolition of the mandatory procurement component (OIC) affect heating bills, what are the risks of litigation, or will it not prevent the achievement of environmental objectives? This was widely discussed on Tuesday in the Saeima Economic Commission, which has a draft law on the repeal of the OIK on its agenda. Its consideration is slow, causing dissatisfaction among several Members.
Continuing the work on the draft law, which envisages the abolition of the mandatory procurement component, the extramural meeting of the Saeima Economic Commission today discussed in detail how it will affect various areas.
As the debate on environmental aspects dragged on, the patience of several Members was full. Sandis Riekstins from the New Conservative Party asked in the chat room: “Do we want to cancel the OIK here or talk about technological processes?” The head of the commission Ralfs Nemiro (KPV LV) replied that he would read the agenda of the meeting.
Dissatisfied with the slow work of the commission, opposition deputies also expressed criticism.
“We have all sorts of long discussions that are completely pointless. If we really want to solve something, then the solutions have been on the table for a long time. They simply have to be taken and implemented in the law, ”said Saeima deputy Ivars Zariņš (S).
“Listening to all this, what did we already know, what is the purpose of today? I did not realize that we have the specifics of the environment today. In my opinion, we still have the specifics of the economy. How to ensure that not only consumers, individuals, but also entrepreneurs working in Latvia, the final price of the energy market is competitive in Europe? ” asked Didzis Šmits, a deputy.
The head of the commission, on the other hand, is convinced that the criticism is out of place. According to him, MEPs need to be educated more before the law can be amended.
“The mandatory procurement system as such is very complex. And maybe you, Didzi, really know it very well. But, understanding that deputies then have to make a decision and vote, get acquainted with the system in advance, understand these aspects here, really listen to opinions, but come to such a common understanding, ”said Ralph Nemiro (KPV LV), Head of the Saeima Economic Commission.
The Commission today also discussed the impact of the abolition of the OIC on heat production, with contradictory assessments of heating bills. MEPs also drew attention to the potential risks of litigation.
The discussions lasted more than two hours, but no decisions were made. In order for consumers to no longer have to pay OIK, the Saeima has committed to change the Electricity Market Law, but it promises to be a time-consuming job.
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