The Council of Ministers has adopted a draft law on a coal allowance that will support households against the rising coal prices. Financial support in the amount of PLN 3,000 will support household budgets for which coal or coal derivatives are the main source of heating.

“Our task is, on the one hand, to secure an adequate amount of coal for the upcoming heating season, and on the other hand to protect Polish families from a significant increase in energy prices. We are committed to ensuring that coal in Poland is available in sufficient quantities and at an acceptable price, both the coal mined in our mines and the coal we import”, said Climate and Environment Minister Anna Moskwa.

She explained that thanks to the proposed legislation, households will be eligible for a one-time coal allowance, which will amount to PLN 3,000. The allowance will be available to households whose main source of heating is a solid-fuel boiler, fireplace, coal stove, air heater, cooking range, stove, coal kitchen or solid-fuel tiled stove – powered by hard coal, briquette or pellet containing at least 85% hard coal.

As Deputy Climate and Environment Minister Jacek Ozdoba explained that the subsidies will be provided by local governments. People interested in receiving funds will have to apply to municipalities, which will receive central funds for this purpose. “11.5 billion PLN will be allocated to reduce the price of coal”, he stressed.

Jacek Ozdoba said that there may need to be “statutory mechanisms to possibly block high coal prices”. “As I believe, it is not accepted by the politicians from right to left to keep the price of raw materials high, out of concern for Polish citizens”, he stated.

Adrian Andrzejewski