The Association of Energy Prosumers and Communities in Romania (APCE) requests the maintenance of the 9% VAT rate for photovoltaic systems and storage batteries and the resumption of the "Green House" and "Green House Batteries" programs, in an optimized form, the organization's representatives say in an open letter addressed to the authorities.
"APCE publicly expresses its concern over the Government's intention to increase VAT to 19% for photovoltaic systems, batteries and other essential components for the production of renewable energy in its own regime. This decision comes at a time of maximum sensitivity, when Romania is preparing to fully liberalize the energy market, and citizens and companies are already facing high costs of electricity production, transport and supply. In the absence of clear and coherent support measures, photovoltaic self-consumption becomes, in practice, the only realistic solution for households and companies to reduce their bills and protect their budgets," mentions the document entitled "VAT increase on green energy: a dangerous brake on the energy independence of Romanians", agerpres reports.
At the same time, the prosumers' representatives are requesting the adoption of the legal framework for the "Condominium Prosumer", so that Romanians in the blocks of flats can also access the benefits of renewable energy.
The list of demands also includes "the payment of the energy injected by prosumers monthly, as is the case in the rest of Europe".
"Our energy is paid for 2 years from the date of billing, according to a crooked legislation issued by ANRE in 2022, without a counterpart anywhere in Europe. Prosumers (approximately 215,000 at present) are not just private investors in green equipment - they are active partners of the state in a common effort to build a safer, greener and less vulnerable Romania in terms of energy", the document also reads.
In 2023 Romania took a step in the right direction, reducing VAT to 5% for renewable equipment, in line with European trends, the cited source mentions.
"Later, the rate was increased to 9% from January 1, 2024. The current proposal to return to 19% is tantamount to a regression, in a context in which more and more citizens are looking for energy protection solutions. At the same time, the suspension of the 'Green House 2025' and 'Green House Batteries' programs amplifies the negative effects and blocks access to investments in renewables for tens of thousands of Romanians," the document also states.
According to the APCE, locally produced energy, in self-consumption mode, "is not just a gesture of personal efficiency."
Thus, locally produced energy is "a strategic tool for national energy resilience. States such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom apply 0% VAT for panels, batteries and heat pumps".
"Other European countries maintain VAT at 5-9%, considering these investments as critical for energy security and independence from volatile imports. Romania should follow this example, not contradict it", the organization says.
Comentează