The Government of Croatia has adopted the draft amendments to the law on the electricity market. The bill would change administrative procedures for the construction of new renewable energy power plants, regulate contracts between suppliers and customers, and define the conditions for disconnecting customers from the grid.
The draft amendments to the law on the electricity market are aimed at aligning Croatian energy legislation with the European Union’s acquis, further strengthening the country’s stability, resilience, and energy independence, the Ministry of Economy said.
The amendments ensure a comprehensive protection of consumers, prevent halting electricity supply to the most vulnerable groups, enable simpler sharing of energy from renewable sources, and accelerate administrative procedures for new energy projects, the ministry explained.
Extension of the duration of energy approvals
The proposed amendments also extend the duration of energy approvals for investors in renewable energy sources that couldn’t conclude grid connection agreements with the Croatian Transmission System Operator (HOPS) amid the lack of a decision on the grid connection fee, tportal reported.
For investors whose energy approvals have not expired, the deadlines set in them begin to run from the date of the adoption of the said decision. Investors with expired energy approvals will get new ones.
Investors with grid connection contracts in which the connection deadlines aren’t defined will have to be connected to the grid within four years, otherwise those contracts will be terminated, according to the draft.
According to the amendments, suppliers will have to establish a risk management system with appropriate protection strategies, to limit the risk of customer default.
Suppliers will have to warn customers of unusually large increases in consumption
Suppliers will have to warn consumers of unusually large increases in energy consumption, offer them flexible debt repayment plans, advise them on debt, and promote education about their rights regarding debt management.
They will also have to provide customers with access to financing, vouchers, or subsidies as support for paying the bills.
Šušnjar: Croatia’s energy independence is being strengthened
Temporary suspension of electricity supply will be possible for consumers not recognized as vulnerable or energy poor.
The transmission system operator (TSO) will also be able to cut power, if the consumer does not pay the fee for the use of the transmission or distribution grid, the draft reads.
According to Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, adopting the amendments strengthens Croatia’s energy independence and ensures long-term protection of the standard of living of Croatian households and the competitiveness of the economy amid global market disruptions.
