Nečas outlines measures to reduce electricity price rises next year

Prime Minister Petr Nečas has outlined measures aimed at limiting an expected sharp rise in electricity prices next year. The Energy Regulatory Office says that because of a boom in solar power plants, households could pay up to 12 percent more for electricity in 2011, with businesses set to pay up to 17 percent more. Mr Nečas said on Wednesday that those hikes could be reduced through a new tax on subsidies for solar power, along with an increase in charges for land leased for the location of solar panels. He said the government could also offset the price rises with incomes raised from selling emissions permits. The industry, finance, environment and regional development ministries are due to produce a joint paper on the matter by next Wednesday, the prime minister said.

Author: Ian Willoughby