On November 29, Vladyslav Sokolovskyi, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Solar Energy of Ukraine (SEAU), took part in the meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services. The meeting focused on specific amendments to Draft Law No. 11392.
In his address, Mr. Sokolovskyi emphasized that the Association supports the use of surplus revenue generated from the dispatch (operational-technology) control activities of the transmission system operator in 2023 and 2024 for the following purposes:
- Repayment of the transmission system operator’s debt accumulated in the balancing market;
- Covering expenses and repaying the operator’s debt to the guaranteed buyer under the agreement for services aimed at increasing the share of electricity produced from renewable sources;
- Covering expenses and repaying debts to universal service suppliers, ensuring subsequent payments to private households.
“SEAU welcomes initiatives aimed at settling debts owed to renewable energy producers. However, the root causes of the debt issue in the energy market are systemic and have persisted for years. This ‘illness’ requires a comprehensive solution, considering the current challenging circumstances. The state must consistently focus on fulfilling its obligations, while resources of state-owned companies should be utilized efficiently and thoughtfully. It is essential to remember that funds returned to solar power plants remain within the country and continue to support Ukraine’s energy sector and economy as a whole,” said Vladyslav Sokolovskyi.
It is worth noting that on November 8, the SEAU Chairman participated in a discussion on strategic changes in Ukraine’s energy sector. The event was organized by the UNDP Program on Green Energy Recovery in Ukraine. Following the discussion, the Association prepared and sent letters to the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services, the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Utilities (NERC), and the Permanent Representative of UNDP in Ukraine. These letters urged stakeholders to consider the position of solar energy market participants and explore the possibility of incorporating their proposals into Draft Law No. 11392 during further discussions.