In Poland there is more and more talk about rising energy costs, especially so-called. Green energy. Although renewable energy, coming from sources specified as wind or sun, aims to reduce the environmental impact, the fresh energy policy is controversial. Poles start asking the question: Do we pay for green energy we don't use?.
What is green energy?
Green energy is energy produced from renewable sources, specified as wind power, solar, geothermalwhether biomass. The nonsubjective of developing this form of energy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to decision towards a more sustainable and ecological way of producing electricity.
In Poland, as in another European Union countries, the improvement of renewable energy sources is simply a priority. However, as data from 2024 show, only about 16% of full energy production in Poland comes from renewable sources. That means we're inactive heavy addicted to coal and another fossil fuels that have a negative environmental impact.
Green energy in Poland – compulsory fees
In 2023 the government introduced a strategy to support the improvement of renewable energy sources in Poland. Under the fresh rules, each household, whether utilizing green energy, is obliged to pay so-called Green energy charges. This part of the energy account is intended to finance renewable energy production projects. In practice this means that many Poles pay for energy that they do not consume.
According to the study Energy Regulatory Office (URE), in 2024 the average monthly cost of the green energy charge is around PLN 15 per individual in the household. By year it gives you an amount PLN 180which is counted to each electrical bill. Moreover, any energy suppliers have introduced additional fees to finance investments in renewable sources, which increases the full cost of green energy.
Why are we paying for energy we don't use?
One of the main reasons for this is the structure of the energy marketplace in Poland. Under EU regulations, each associate State is required to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. In trying to accomplish these objectives, the government is forced to introduce systems that support the improvement of green energy.
In practice this means that energy from renewable sources, although it is increasing percent of full energy productionis not distributed evenly. Many of this energy is generated in regions that do not necessarily correspond to request in another parts of the country. In addition, the retention of renewable energy in Poland is inactive in the first phase of development.
Reactions of Poles – fears and doubts
Poles are increasingly expressing discontent with the fresh charging system. In 2024, according to a survey conducted by Kantar Polandau 62% of Poles acknowledges that paying for green energy they don't usage is unfair. In turn 39% claims that the government should guarantee that residents pay only for the energy they actually consume.
According to any experts, this strategy can lead to a burden on households' budgets, especially those that do not usage green energy to a large extent. The introduction of more differentiated charges, dependent on real renewable energy consumption, could be more equitable.
What do the experts say?
Experts item the request for more investment in Energy infrastructure. expanding the efficiency of renewable energy production and the improvement of energy retention technologies can aid to address supply and request balance problems. In Poland, many investments in renewable energy are implemented by private investorsand the state should actively support these projects to reduce the burden on citizens.
In addition, systems Smart meters could let for a more accurate measurement of household renewable energy consumption and aid balance request and supply. specified technologies could besides reduce energy costs and make Poles pay only for what they actually consume.
Green energy is crucial for the future of Poland, but the fresh charging strategy is controversial. Poles pay for green energy, which they do not always use, which raises doubts about the fairness of this solution. expanding investment in renewable energy sources and infrastructure improvement can aid reduce this problem. However, it is worth remembering that green energy is an investment in a better future and a cleaner environment, and its improvement requires support from both government and citizens.
Continued here:
Are Poles paying for green energy they don't use? We're reviewing fresh charges.
