Czech industry ministry proposes paying CZK 2000 through energy-saving tariff this year, rest next year

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) proposes paying households 2000 koruna this year through the energy-saving tariff. Including the waiver of the renewable energy charge, assistance for households with the highest consumption will reach up to around 6000 Kč. The state will pay the remainder of the support at the beginning of next year. Total energy support for the upcoming heating season will reach around 11.000 koruna for low-consumption households, around 14.000 to 15.000 koruna for medium-consumption households, while households with the highest consumption will receive up to around 18.000 koruna. Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Síkela (STAN) told reporters today ahead of a government meeting.

Total support includes both the contribution through the energy-saving tariff and the waiver of the renewable energy charge, which amounts to 599 koruna per megawatt-hour of electricity. Savings on the renewable energy charge will therefore depend on consumption. The MPO will launch a calculator today or on Thursday that will calculate how much support households can receive. The state is to allocate a total of 40 billion koruna to the energy-saving tariff, while the government has earmarked a total of 66 billion koruna to help people and businesses with energy prices.

The contribution should be paid via the market operator directly to individual suppliers, which should reflect it both in the amount of monthly advance payments and in the final bill. Energy advance payments should therefore fall for consumers. There will be no need to apply for the electricity and gas contribution. Under the proposal submitted, however, applications for next year's heating contribution will be required, typically from apartment owners' associations (SVJ), for example.

„The list of households concerned is determined by yesterday's date (23 August), because that was the latest date that could be used for today's government meeting,“ Síkela said.

This morning, he discussed the financial requirements with Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (ODS).

This year, the contribution will be paid through the electricity contract, due to lower administrative requirements. Next year, the contribution will be paid separately for each commodity: electricity, gas and heat. For a customer who pays advance payments through SIPO or by bank direct debit, the amount of the advance payment will be adjusted automatically according to the level of this state aid. A customer who pays advance payments by standing order will be able to adjust the payment themselves by changing the standing order. Customers will see the discount in their next bill. Financial assistance for 2023 will be paid at the beginning of that year.