Support for Brno heating plants is possible. We want to have a backup solution, says the mayor
On Thursday, she discussed with the chairman of the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition, Petr Mlsna, whether support for energy-intensive businesses is even legally possible. “The temporary crisis framework makes it possible to provide support to cover operational losses of an energy-intensive enterprise. Two limits are set, coverage of eighty percent of operating losses or a total amount of twenty-five million euros. The heating plant is needed for energy-intensive operation,” explained Mlsna.
Vaňková stated that the city of Brno would fit within these limits, now it depends on the government’s decision whether to go down this path. The Mayor of Brno informed that on Friday there will be meetings on this topic at the national level, which will also be attended by representatives of the government.
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Brno’s heating plants, unlike some others in the country, use gas as fuel. This makes them different from businesses that are heated by coal. “Heating plants are not in the mode of a transport company, which we give compensation from the city budget. Heating plants produce heat and at the same time produce and sell electricity. It sets heat prices with regard to economic results. The situation is complicated for heating plants,” outlined Vaňková. According to her information, the board of directors of heating plants has not yet discussed the price for the following period.
Purchase in advance
For next year, Teplárny Brno gas prices have already been contracted. “The company has a long-term elaborate strategy of gradual purchase of natural gas and gradual sale of electricity. We buy these energies with a period of more than eighteen months, thus reducing the risk of previous price comparisons. We are doing everything to manage the current energy crisis,” said Jiřina Veselá for the heating plant.
New price lists of the Brno heating plant will be published in October. “We have taken a lot of measures to increase the consumption of natural gas as much as possible for the upcoming heating season. We are also preparing a campaign in which we will try to advise our customers on how to heat the stove smartly in order to prevent unnecessary heat loss,” added Veselá.
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According to Mlsné, it is not necessarily a question of direct support for businesses. “It can be a tax advantage, a refundable deposit, a guarantee, a loan,” listed Mlsna.
Vaňková also wanted to make sure whether possible support for Brno entrepreneurs was possible. According to Mlsna, the support must be either general or focused on a specific area. “You can’t choose someone. For example, if I have five bakers and give support to three and not to the rest. It is up to the politicians who they will support. If, for example, welfare organizations, schools, retirement homes,” outlined Mlsna.