Homeowners Urge EU Joint Purchases of Natural Gas
The Homeowners Association is lobbying the government to seek joint natural gas purchases with other European Union countries.
"The idea is simple - if more member states join together as a single fist in buying natural gas, it would increase the probability that everyone could get a better price from Gazprom," said Priit Värk, a board member of the Homeowners' Association.
Värk said that the Baltic states now buy natural gas from Russia's Gazprom at a higher price than do some member states farther west.
"The Eesti Gaas natural gas purchasing agreement with Gazprom is effective until 2015, and the price hinges on the mercy or fear of Gazprom. We lack any kind of certainty for the future,” said Värk.
EU commissioner for energy, Günther Oettinger, has also drawn attention to the idea of team buying. "Unfortunately, neither the European Commission or individual member states have offered concrete steps to bring the idea to life,” said Värk.
The Homeowners' Association recently sent a letter of concern to the European Commission, asserting that rising heating costs are becoming overly burdensome for homeowners.
"As could have been predicted, the Commission admitted to the existence of the problem in its response, but could not offer a quick solution. They emphasized the need to promote competition,” Värk said.
Ott Tammik