What is the state of play regarding the payment of network charges, do you see immediate and medium term impacts in case of payment deferral?
RO SE
SI
TR
UA DTEK
- Consumers are given the possibility of opting for deferred payment plans and, when they do so, retailors are entitled to a deferral in the payment of the corresponding network charges to DSOs (payment of invoices in 9 instalments, with 2 months deferral of the first instalment); There is a similar extension of the payment period for the charges paid by DSOs to TSOs. - Small retailors (<5% market share) that experience a decrease of revenue of 40% or more are entitled to an additional period of 2 months to pay their invoices of network charges to DSOs; There is a corresponding extension of the payment period of the charges paid by DSOs to TSOs. - Business consumers that are in “crisis situations”, as defined by specific legislation (also published within the pandemics context), are entitled to discounts in some network tariff components with an adjustment to the effective capacity level required by the operation context of the consumer for these customers, DSOs apply the discounts in their invoices to retailors, which them pass them on to consumers). Beyond operational challenges related to the implementation, from the perspective of the DSO the most immediate impact is the increased effort and cost of financing additional credit to retailors. From a system perspective, there is an increased risk of default associated with potential failure of retailors, which would translate in future tariff costs. Not yet, but this depends how long the emergency state will be applied and to whom the support measures established by the government will apply. In case that will not be directed only to those really need them, a negative effect on the chain could extend throughout the value chain, from suppliers to network operators and producers. Not to a large extent yet but some obviously. There will most likely be a more widespread situation of unpaid invoices in mid-May when the invoices for the first quarter is sent out. However, until then we cannot communicate anything with certainty As part of measures to mitigate the social and economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19), the Slovenian Energy Agency has introduced an extraordinary measure to change the network tariff, which will reduce the electricity bills. For the period from 1 March to 31 May 2020, small business and household consumers will not be charged a tariff for capacity charge and the network charge for these users will be 33% lower. This reduction of network charge will certainly affect the operation of the electricity distribution companies. They are still examining all the effects of the current changed circumstances of the epidemic have had no significance on maintaining solvency. Currently, their rough estimate of the negative impact on solvency in the electricity distribution system due to the extension of payment deadlines to the businesses is around EUR 25 million. In the harsh conditions, the solvency of the entire electricity system and therefore the operation capability have been ensured. As so far, the electricity distribution companies, together with electricity suppliers, will carry the largest share of liquidity shock absorption in the electricity system. (Updated on 08/06) - Bill payments and consumer services were directed to digital channels. - Within the scope of combating new types of coronavirus, electricity and natural gas invoices have been issued by comparison, limited to the following conditions. √ In quarantined areas, √ In regions where meter readings were stopped due to administrative decisions, √ In regions where social distance protection was not possible. (Updated on 25/06) The effect that we see already now: According to the Law «On amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine aimed at preventing the occurrence and spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (hereinafter – the Law) for the period of lock down or restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and 63