Vienna (OTS) – The umbrella organization for Renewable Energy Austria (EEÖ) is extremely surprised by yesterday’s drama regarding the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG). Recently, the course towards parliamentary decision-making seemed to have finally been set. But yesterday’s announcement from the ÖVP about alleged ambiguities at EU level means that the important law will be further postponed. This is an incomprehensible false argument for the industry, as Austria is already in infringement proceedings due to the lack of an ElWG.
„It is absurd that the ElWG’s decision would suddenly come too quickly because the last amendment to the EU Internal Electricity Market Directive has been approved but not yet published in the Official Journal
“, says Martina Prechtl-Grundnig, managing director of the EEÖ. What such arguments rather express is a lack of political will, said the industry spokeswoman. Due to the lack of an ElWG, Austria is currently failing to implement two EU laws – in one case, fines can be expected if further defaults occur.
The EEÖ hopes that this is a misunderstanding and not tactical maneuvers motivated by party politics. Especially since the ElWG is enormously important not only for the electricity industry, but also for consumers, the economy and industry. “The ElWG is not a niche project. The law is the basis for a modern and sustainable electricity supply throughout Austria
“, emphasizes Prechtl-Grundnig.
This was also shown by the unanimous appeals that were made to the government from various quarters. The EEÖ therefore calls on the government partners to quickly reach agreement on the required two-thirds majority and to ensure that the law is passed during this legislative period.
Questions & Contact:
Renewable energy Austria
Judith Brockmann
+43 664 3436129
judith.brockmann@erneuerbare-energie.at
www.erneuerbare-energie.at