The Action "Replacement of oil heating systems with natural gas systems in houses of the Region of Thessaly with a budget of € 6.12 million" in the framework of the NSRF 2014-2020, was announced at a press conference hosted by the Regional Governor of Thessaly, Mr. Konstantinos Agorastos, with the participation of the General Manager of EDA THESS, Mr. Leonidas Bakouras, and the Manager of Natural Gas Market in Thessaly, Mrs Efthymia Kalogirou.
This action concerns the grant of the cost of natural gas internal installation of houses, to replace existing oil heating systems. It is an important action since the grant rates of the beneficiaries start from 65% and reach 100%. EDA THESS is the competent body for the Receipt and Control of applications, the certification process, and the payment of the grant.
In combination with the “Save - Autonomy” program, dynamic incentives are offered to consumers for the transition to the use of natural gas, while encouraging the State’s efforts to improve the energy efficiency of house heating systems and reduce emissions of pollutants through increased gas penetration.
Such initiatives act beneficially for both consumers and society as well as for the Company itself, contributing to the implementation of its investment plan. Investments for the network’s further development are implemented based on technical criteria regarding the possibility of construction, the quality and safety of works and according to economic criteria guided by the demand and the capacity of each area in order to ensure the return on investments. By this way, the Company manages to maintain the lowest Distribution Tariffs in the territory, while ensuring the technical perfection of its Networks. Equally important factor for the preparation of the Company’s development program is the environmental parameter that is fully in line with the objectives set in the National Plan of Energy and Climate.
In this context, Mr. Bakouras stated “The Region of Thessaly is a pioneer. Multiple benefits arise from the implementation of NSRF 2014 – 2020 program of € 6.12 million in the Region of Thessaly, especially for households affected by energy poverty. In Thessaly, EDA THESS will implement investments of € 12 million within 2021 for the development of the distribution network. We already supply 17 Municipalities, and we will continue the further penetration of natural gas for the benefit of both consumers and the environment, which is also the state’s target. Special thanks to the Governor of Thessaly, who from the very beginning that we submitted the request for gas heating installation grant proceeded with all the procedures for its implementation. We are in close cooperation with the Region of Thessaly, always serving our purpose, that is, natural gas to reach every region, every citizen uninterruptedly and according to the highest safety standards”.
For his part, the Regional Governor, Mr. Agorastos mentioned in this regard "2021 will be a difficult year. We need to join forces and we need to do more for those in need. That is why we chose to start with a substantial program that helps low-income families and "allies" with the environment. Our intention is to restore peace with the environment that has been lost in recent years. That is why we joined forces with EDA THESS. I would like to thank the Minister of Environment and Energy, the Special Management Service of the NSRF Thessaly 2014-2020 and EDA THESS, as the Region of Thessaly is the first Region in the country which with its strategic plan “runs” today a granted program with which citizens can soon be connected to the natural gas”.
Concluding, Ms. Kalogirou added “Applications of the interested parties will be submitted to the four customer service offices of EDA THESS until the middle of the summer of 2021.Those interested can also call from Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. until 20:00 p.m. at 11150 which is the customer service call center for information. EDA THESS carries out the construction of the outdoor installation up to the meter free of charge due to zero Connection Fees, an offer which is valid for the whole year 2021”.
Within the next few days, the announcement regarding this Action is expected to be signed by the new Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Konstantinos Skrekas and its issuance in the Government Gazette is also expected in order to start the implementation of the program.
