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Polish gov’t unveils measures to tackle high energy prices

15.09.2022 21:00
Poland’s government on Thursday announced a raft of policies to counteract soaring energy prices. 
Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meets reporters in Warsaw on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meets reporters in Warsaw on Thursday, September 15, 2022.PAP/Rafał Guz

The policy package, dubbed “The Solidarity Shield,” was unveiled by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

The PM told reporters: “I know that inflation is riding high, but we intend to squash it.”

Guaranteed electricity price for households

He said that the government sought to make sure that energy prices did not rise further from January.

“And so all households, without exception, will have a guaranteed price of electricity, up to an annual consumption of 2,000 kWh,” Morawiecki announced.

“Compared to what the energy providers are offering, this means savings of up to PLN 150 (EUR 32) per month,” he added.

Meanwhile, the limit of energy consumption at the guaranteed price will be higher, at 2,600 kWh per year, for families with three or more children, people with disabilities and farmers, reporters were told.  

10-percent energy bill discount for those who curb their energy use

The PM also announced: “Those who limit their energy use by 10 percent next year, will receive an additional, 10-percent reduction of their bill for the power consumed next year.”

He explained: “We want to encourage people to save energy at this dramatic time, when war is raging beyond our eastern border and we are forced to bear the consequences of this terrible energy policy, of the mistakes of the German-Russian gas policy.”

Morawiecki stressed: “By saving energy, we are building resilience, the resilience of the country, the resilience of the economy, of Polish companies, and we are increasing the benefits for Polish families.” 

Compulsory energy savings in government

Moreover, central and local governments are required to cut their energy consumption by 10 percent, starting from October 1, it was announced.

The PM said: “We are starting with ourselves, as soon as possible. Public administration, also local administration, every institution, will be required to limit its energy consumption.”

Savings in state-run companies

Morawiecki also announced that he had instructed the Minister of State Assets Jacek Sasin “to scrap additional bonuses for the board members of state-owned companies.” 

In all, the policies to help households and energy-intensive businesses with rising energy costs will amount to PLN 30 billion (EUR 6.4 billion), the PAP news agency reported.

(pm)

Source: PAPtvp.info