The current version is the most expensive and inefficient option for households
Vienna (OTS) – The AK is calling for a fundamental revision of the Renewable Gas Act (EGG), which is currently being discussed. “The proposal discussed so far is inefficient and would lead to unreasonable costs for households and small businesses. The law must therefore be completely restructured by the next plenary session in autumn.”
explains Tobias Schweitzer, AK Head of Economics.
Schweitzer specifically criticizes the quota model provided for in the EGG: suppliers are obliged to replace a certain amount of fossil natural gas with domestic biogas. They can simply pass the costs on to the end customers, who then have to foot the bill with their gas bill: “According to our calculations, this could result in additional annual costs of 160 to 260 euros per household by 2030. This is completely unacceptable. Households and small businesses are already heavily burdened by high electricity and gas prices.”
said Schweitzer.
Potential cushioning measures were considered in the proposed law, but would again come at the expense of taxpayers. The AK also doubts that the EU even allows this form of subsidy. Schweitzer is therefore calling for a fundamental revision of the law away from the quota model: “Instead, a tender model would be possible that ensures that funding for green gas is used efficiently.”
In principle, the AK is in favor of the use of renewable gases. However, this must be industry-specific and managed cost-effectively. “Biogas can make a contribution to decarbonization, especially where other technologies cannot be used sensibly,” says Schweitzer. Politicians are required to present a sensible concept for a sustainable EGG by the next plenary session in autumn.
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