Lower house approves cuts to subsidies for renewable sources of energy

The lower house of Parliament on Friday approved government legislation that would cut subsidies for renewable sources of energy. The bill ends all subsidies for solar plants put into operation after January 1, 2014, and also caps subsidies paid by electricity consumers for existing solar, hydro and biogas plants. The difference will be covered by the state budget. MPs on Friday included a provision in the bill that will require all recipients of subsidies to disclose their ownership. The bill, which has come under criticism by environmentalists, will now be discussed in the Senate.

Author: Jan Richter