Estonian Pulp Mill Stops Production Because of Energy Prices

AS Estonian Cell pulp mill has temporarily stopped production over record high energy prices and asked the Estonian government to alleviate the situation by bringing down energy prices for energy-intensive industry.

The company had to stop the operation of its pulp mill after unexpected power and gas price hikes impacted competitive ability. Regardless of partially fixed-price contracts, the firm spent EUR 1.5 million more than usual on power and gas in November. The Estonian Cell has estimated that it has paid an extra EUR 5 million for energy resources in recent months.

The head of Estonian Cell Siiri Lahe has sent a letter to the prime minister Kaja Kallas asking the government to alleviate the situation by bringing down energy prices for energy-intensive industry. As possible solutions Lahe pointed to lowering the power transmission fee, the excise duty on electricity and the renewable energy fee.

TAPPI
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