As technologies continue developing, the use of green energy gradually becomes more and more attractive to Latvian residents. The majority of respondents note that they may start using biomass (23%), solar batteries (22%) and even wind turbines (13%) in the next ten years, according to results of Baltic International Bank’s latest Latvian Barometer.
When asked which form of renewable energy seemed the most perspective for Latvia’s national economy, 18% mentioned solar energy technologies, 17% mentioned wind turbines and generators, and 13% mentioned biomass energy.
When asked to name three of the most notable energy-related problems in Latvia, most respondents mentioned the end price of energy products (76%). Compared to 2016, this problem was mentioned as a serious one more rarely (80% in 2016, 76% in 2018).
Economy Ministry believes residents’ care for the end prices of energy end products are well justified, considering that they directly affect residents’ solvency.
“Looking at residents’ and businessmen’s competitiveness, Economy Ministry’s representatives have been regularly performing measures to prevent factors that increase electricity price rise since 2012. This includes maintaining and even reducing mandatory procurement components starting with 2018. A high-level work group has commenced cancellation of the MPC system,” ministry’s representatives explain.
Most respondents believe one of the most notable problem is that energy is often wasted and not preserved (36%). They also mentioned dependence on energy supplies from other countries (35%). Only 5% of respondents believe there are no problems in the energy industry.
When asked which of the aforementioned activities they had performed in the past three years to help save up energy, the most often response from residents was that they paid more attention to switching off electrical appliances when they were not in use (59%) and replacing standard light bulbs with more economic ones (57%). Respondents also often mentioned that when purchasing household appliances they paid more attention to ones that consumed less energy (33%). It should be mentioned that 17% of respondents admitted having done nothing to help save up energy.
AS Latvijas Gaze wholesale and product development department manager Janis Kalejs believes that although the “green energy movement” continues rapidly developing in the minds of Latvian residents, the country still has a long way to go.
“This is largely tied to outdated infrastructure – apartment buildings, private houses, and engineering solutions used in them. European Union has made green thinking and reduction of energy consumption as one of its main priorities. There are different funds and other sources of funding available in this area. With help, it is possible to improve energy efficiency of our buildings,” explains Kalejs. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
