Environment and Energy Minister Tina Birbili criticised GENOP,
Public Power Corp’s union, in an interview with the radio station Vima FM.The Minister commented that trade unions should be self-existent and not involved into any transactions with the authorities, and added that funding of GENOP by PPC has been suspended until the final settlement of the issue.
Regarding privatization of PPC, Tina Birbili stressed that government’s position is that the state should maintain the control of the company. However, the privatization should be in line with the market and the value of the company, she said, adding that the issue remains a priority for Greece.
Scenarios for further privatization of PPC are under consideration, in the context of opening of the electricity market, said Tina Birbili, clarifying that the parallel privatization of PPC and the sell-in of lignite production (swaps) are not possible. The sale of 40% of PPC production through lignite would mean a reduction of PPC’s profitability, she added.
Regarding the government’s main objectives in electricity market, Energy Minister said:
- The energy mix should change. The production through lignite should be decreased in favour of Renewable Sources.
- Secondly, there should be an opening for the corporation, in order to expand in Southeast European markets.
- Thirdly, market conditions should favour the commercial viability of private investors.
