EU Climate Change Reforms: Latest Package Could Raise Power Bills

The EU's new ambitious plans to further reduceof a 10% biofuels target.
carbon emissions and increase sustainableCEZ is analyzing the reforms' impact upon valuing
generation also propose the integration of carbonits generation business, as are equity analysts,
capture and storage facilities within the powerwho argue that the external financial implications
generation model. However, this will significantlyhave not been fully considered and will propel
increase costs, which is expected to double retailpower prices. The subsequent impact upon the
prices. The practicalities of these reforms arecorporate model is also yet to be determined;
questionable, given the uncertain financing andhowever, with high capital (and sunk) costs,
risks involved.increased maintenance charges and the rising cost
The EU has launched a new package of reformsof capacity, the prospects look bleak. What is
aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20clear is that on the retail side of the equation the
of the energy mix and that biofuels should makeconsumer will inevitably make up the shortfall.
up 10 fuel mix target, for example the feasibility