Lower house vote paves way for energy price caps

The Czech lower house has approved in an accelerated process an amendment to the energy law that allows the government to cap electricity and gas prices for small consumers in some circumstances. The vote took place on Friday evening. The bill must now go before the Senate and be signed by the president.

The cabinet plans to cap both electricity and gas prices in a bid to lessen the impact of the current energy crisis on citizens. The new prices will apply in deposit payments from November under the scheme, for which CZK 130 billion has been earmarked.