President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law amending the Law of Ukraine "On Electricity Market" regarding a new date for the introduction of the electricity market (No. 10376) and a draft law amending the article 9-1 of the Law of Ukraine "On Alternative Energy Sources" (No. 10375). It was stated by Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Cabinet of Ministers Andriy Gerus.
In particular, amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Electricity Market" are intended to postpone the introduction of a new electricity market until July 1, 2020.
"Unfortunately, in two years, proper work has not been held to prepare for a new market. In order to prevent a sharp increase in tariffs and crisis phenomena in the electricity market, the postponement of the launch of a new model of the market for the year was initiated. At the same time, it is necessary to develop and implement a monthly plan of preparation for the relevant changes," Andriy Gerus commented on the initiative of the President.
It bears reminding that on May 31, in a meeting with members of the National Security and Defense Council, the Head of State stressed that one of Ukraine's commitments to the European Union was the reform of the energy sector. First of all, it is about demonopolization of energy markets.
In addition, the amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Alternative Energy Sources", initiated by the President, refer to the restoration of the so-called green tariff for households having ground solar power plants with a capacity of up to 30 kW. According to the Representative of the President in the Government, the abolishment of such tariffs for small power stations of Ukrainians who invested in domestic solar power plants is unfair.
"This law, unfortunately, was signed by the previous President, Petro Poroshenko. Therefore, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggests that the Parliament correct this mistake and restore justice. "Green" tariffs should not be for oligarchs first of all, but for ordinary Ukrainians who will form the middle class and diminish the role of energy monopolies," he added.
It should be noted that both draft laws have a status of urgent.