Ratiboř

As we already wrote in the last issue, even the municipality is not avoiding an increase in energy prices. In the month of August we received notice that our electricity deposits would be increased by 120%. In this way, we will pay CZK 380,000 in advances per month, compared to the original CZK 178,000. It is already the second increase in half a year and we can count on the fact that it is not yet the final price.

To this amount, we must also add the increase in advance payments in kindergartens and primary schools, where we pay for electricity transferred within the framework of contribution organizations. The sharp increase puts us in a situation where we have to start limiting energy consumption. The first, already announced step, will be the switching off of public lighting (VO) at night. For VO, the monthly deposit was increased from CZK 17,000 to CZK 45,000.

Timers will be installed in the VO switchboards and the lighting will be turned off following the bus connections, from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Shining at night is now a great luxury for us that we cannot afford. However, it is necessary to urgently solve the electricity supply. We already have contracted transmission system capacity with ČEZ for the installation of photovoltaic power plants on most municipal buildings. These should be power plants from 10 to 20 KWp.

We tried to take advantage of the subsidy options, but we found that the terms of the call from the Modernization Fund, which is intended for municipalities with up to 3,000 inhabitants, indicate the following. The municipality must consume 80% of the installed power plant in the given building. This condition practically excludes the buildings of schools and kindergartens, because they operate mainly in the morning hours and the buildings are closed during the holidays. In addition, it is not possible to consume energy in buildings in which economic activity takes place, so in our case it is a municipal office, where 75% of the premises are leased, and thus it is not possible to install PV plants even on a wastewater treatment plant, as this is also an economic activity. It is unbelievable that we hear from the state leadership that they will not let us fall in a crisis, but we see that there is no interest in municipalities installing PV plants and thus becoming more self-sufficient.

I consider it an insult to small communities on the part of the leadership of our country. Again, we will have to find a way out of a very difficult situation on our own. We will not allow the municipality to get into a situation where most of the finances fall on energy. The council is considering an option where PV plants will be installed on municipal buildings and will be paid for from their own resources. In 2015, we proceeded to replace public lighting with LED lights anyway. The investment returned to the village in two years. The acquisition costs can thus be covered from the savings that the power plants will bring. In addition, it would be advantageous for the municipality to secure a license for the sale of produced electricity, when the return would be even faster. The situation must also be addressed in view of the fact that the municipality's gas fixation ends on December 31, 2022, and from the new year there will be another extreme increase in costs.

Martin Žabčík / mayor