The energy sector calls on the government to withdraw the extraordinary measures approved during the crisis

Withdraw the Iberian exception that involves capping the price of gas to produce electricity at an average of 48 euros MWH. To end with the limitation of the remuneration of infra-marginal energies (nuclear and renewable energies, mainly) at 67 euros MWh. To withdraw the special tax on energy companies... The main employers' associations of the energy sector have coincided this Tuesday in asking the Government to withdraw the measures that they consider most harmful to their sector once they consider that the moment of greatest exceptionality in the energy market has passed.

This is what they said during the presentation of the Energy Balance 2022, presented this Tuesday by the Spanish Energy Club. "These are exceptional and extraordinary measures that must disappear in order to focus on taxation aimed at encouraging decarbonization objectives," said Marina Serrano, president of the electricity employers' association Aelec.

The companies

They consider that the worst of the energy crisis has been overcome.

In the same vein, Santiago Gómez, president of the Association of Renewable Energy Companies (APPA Renovables), said, "In a situation in which the price emergency has already passed, the measures should be eliminated", he said. This position was supported by the president of the Spanish Wind Energy Association, Juan Diego Díaz, and Rafael Benjumea, president of the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF).

The general feeling that the sector wanted to convey is that the worst of the energy crisis is behind us and that the authorities, both Spanish and European, must put the lights on and look to the future to design a regulatory environment capable of promoting the orderly development of renewable energies, considered by all sector representatives to be the tool to ensure energy independence.

The importance of a common European market

In this context, much was said about the reform of the electricity market proposed by the European Commission. Marina Serrano defended the continuity of the new regulations because "the marginalist market has allowed a great value of unity to the European electricity market, which has given it greater protection to face the crisis together".

Looking to the future, Serrano also asked to focus "on a redesign that promotes consumer protection. At the same time promote a stable and predictable regulatory framework that favors investment in renewables and also in networks. The new fiscal measures must be focused on favoring and incentivizing these investments," said the leader of the electricity companies.

Iberian exception

The government continues to negotiate with Brussels

There has also been a generalized demand from the different energy sectors: electricity, renewables, gas and oil companies for the government to move forward in simplifying administrative processes and in managing the orderly growth of the energy sector.

On the other side, the Secretary of State for Energy, Sara Aagesen, has assured that the Government continues to negotiate with Brussels so that the extension of the Iberian derogation is extended to 2024 "is a safeguard clause that is essential. To have the possibility to come in case volatility and high gas prices return. We are talking to the European Commission about the limits of the caps," said the Secretary of State in conversation with journalists after her participation in the event.

Aagesen also confirmed that she expects that "in the next few weeks" the final text of the design of the regulated electricity tariff market, known as PVPC, which aims to soften the impact of the volatility of the commodities markets on the price of electricity for retail consumers, will reach the Council of State.