Aleksei Jevgrafov, a member of the Central Party faction of the Riigikogu and former mayor of Narva, sent a written question to Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, in which he investigates the sharp increase in the marginal price of heat in the hinterlands and the state’s possible support for local residents and entrepreneurs.
“I am seriously worried, because the 84 percent increase in the price of heat is not affordable for the residents of Narva and will significantly affect the quality of life of the local people,” Jevgrafov notes. “The income of the residents of the city of Narva is one of the lowest in Estonia, and the additional expenses force them to choose whether to buy bread or pay huge utility bills. The large price increase of energy carriers in recent years has had a negative impact on the activities of Narva’s entrepreneurs, and this price increase will definitely lead to an increase in unemployment. It is clear that the city of Narva and its residents cannot cope without the help of the state.”
AS Narva Soojusvõrk informed that as of September 1, the new selling price of heat will be €73.35/MWh (currently €39.83/MWh), and in connection with this, the elected deputy from Ida-Virumaa asks the Prime Minister to answer three questions:
- In your opinion, is the increase in the marginal heat price by 84% justified?
- Is the state ready to come to the aid of the city of Narva, the city’s entrepreneurs and the city’s residents in order to avoid a social catastrophe? In what way?
- Is a “just transition” really just or does it make people’s lives more difficult?
