What will the ETS2 emissions trading system be like?
The ETS2 emissions trading system will come into effect from 2027. While the original ETS1 did not have such impacts on ordinary people's lives, the same cannot be said for ETS2. The emissions trading system will affect drivers of all vehicles with internal combustion engines, as well as households that use fossil fuels for heating, specifically coal and natural gas. The price of allowances should be capped at EUR 45 per ton of emissions. However, even at a lower level of this amount, a significant price increase is expected.
Car owners with internal combustion engines will have a difficult time. However, households can prepare well. First of all, it is good to check the duration of the fixed gas tariff. If the fixed rate extends to 2027, it is advisable to check how the supplier intends to handle the sharp increase in gas prices on the market. "If you are planning to switch to a new supplier that advertises a fixed rate even within 2027, it is likely a mistake or, God forbid, misleading information. We offer a fixed rate until the end of 2026. For the period after the introduction of ETS2, we will set new product prices with fixed rates," explains Jakub Tobiáš.
Regardless of the tariff and supplier, households using gas or coal will see an increase in prices. According to statements from both the current government and the opposition, the ETS2 system should not be introduced at all, and promises are being made to abolish it. However, this should be taken with a large grain of salt, as European legislation is relentless in this regard. It can be assumed that the current and future ruling coalitions will rather push for further subsidy packages that will enable households to obtain more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating.
In addition to current subsidy programs such as Nová zelená úsporám Light and Oprav dům po babičce, subsidies will likely be added that will aim to compensate for the impacts of emissions allowances. However, one cannot rely on predictions of what will happen. It is better to take advantage of current programs now. Currently, interesting contributions can be obtained for house insulation, heat pumps, photovoltaics, etc. A clear overview can be found here.
In short, it is good to be prepared. "If the owners of supply points start dealing with this issue in time and use, for example, the mentioned subsidy programs, a restrictive measure can become an opportunity to reduce long-term consumption expenses. For example, by using a subsidy for PV and subsequently combining it with our smart tariff Fotonka+, energy costs can be brought to a level that is well below the average, even before the introduction of ETS 2 emissions allowances," concludes Tobiáš.
