Who Will Foot the $37 Billion Green Energy Bill? Ukraine's Controversial Law 13219

Ukraine's Green Energy Debt: A $37 Billion Burden for Consumers

According to Главком: Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the 'Batkivshchyna' (Fatherland) party, has raised the alarm over draft law 13219. She argues it will eliminate competition in the alternative energy market by obligating the state to cover 37 billion hryvnias in debts owed to private solar and wind power producers. These debts accumulated due to inflated 'green' tariffs established during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych.

Impact on Households and Businesses

To cover these debts, the plan involves raising electricity tariffs for both households and businesses. Tymoshenko stated that the law effectively shifts the burden onto ordinary citizens, as the tariffs are set by the state-owned operator 'Ukrenergo'. She pointed out that investors who entered the solar and wind sectors under Yanukovych have already recouped their investments at least threefold, and now stand to gain an additional 37 billion hryvnias through the proposed tariff hikes.

Tymoshenko further warned that this 37-billion-hryvnia burden will fall not only on households but also on medium-sized businesses, which already pay some of the world's highest electricity prices, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing war. This has sparked public outrage and concern among entrepreneurs who fear increased financial strain from the new tariffs.

The introduction of Law 13219 is causing significant public outcry, as raising electricity tariffs could have serious consequences for the financial well-being of the population and businesses. Yulia Tymoshenko

The public and business community are demanding a revision of the draft law's terms to avoid negative consequences for the country's economy. This controversy highlights the difficult balance Ukraine faces between honoring past energy commitments and managing current economic pressures.