Electricity: changing supplier using a digital platform

Government energy officials are preparing a digital tool to make switching from one electricity supplier to another easier, especially for punctual consumers looking for cheaper electricity tariffs.

In particular, the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (ΥΠΕΝ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Governance, began working together to create an online platform where conscientious payers will be able to log into the system, using your taxisnet codes and request a change of electricity supplier.

According to a senior official of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, there will even be a possibility digital contract signing to reduce bureaucracy.

Defaulters
At the same time, in the next period it is expected that regulations will be submitted for public discussion that will put a brake on the movement of insolvent consumers, who until now have left “debts” to supply companies approaching 3 billion euros.

For “defector” consumers who change suppliers, leaving “debts” to energy supply companies, the Ministry of Energy is preparing to put “barriers” to free movement from one supplier to another by amending Article 42 of the Electricity Code to deal with energy “tourism”. . In fact, the Waste, Energy and Water Regulatory Authority’s (WERW) proposal for amendments was sent a month ago to the ministry’s political leadership, which is expected to give the green light for it to be submitted for public comment.

Change of supplier
In particular, for persistent defaulters living in residential premises, it is proposed to provide the opportunity to change up to three electricity suppliers, but they will not be able to switch to a fourth supplier without repaying or settling the debt with the third supplier. Similarly, commercial consumers with outstanding debt will be allowed to change up to two suppliers, but will not be able to switch to a third supplier unless they repay or settle their debt with the previous supplier. In addition, consumers who have left debts will be noted on the platform ΔΕΔΔΗΕ “Θαλής”.

Universal service
Utilities intend to set a maximum period of four months for universal service, stipulating that after that the supply of electricity will be cut off if a customer does not pay their bills (exceptions will be those who are on the register of vulnerable customers). The universal service covers households and small businesses (with single-phase connections up to 25 kVA) whose electricity supply contract has been terminated, usually due to arrears, until they find a new electricity supplier. It is estimated that more than 70% of the 200,000 or so consumersuniversal service (Καθολικής Υπηρεσίας) enjoy free electricity, leaving months of unpaid bills and a large financial hole for the five largest companies that take on the task each year universal service.

Source link