Greek MPs debate Ptolemaida V plant extension and water law overhaul

In a parliamentary session, MP Paris Koukoulopoulos questioned Environment and Energy Minister Stamatios Papastavrou about the draft law concerning the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The discussion focused on extending the operation of the Ptolemaida V lignite power plant and keeping it outside the Energy Exchange, a move presented as a way to curb electricity costs and reduce Greece’s reliance on imported natural gas.

Separately, MP Giannis Tsimaras of Ioannina criticised the same legislative package for its impact on water management. He described the proposed reorganisation of the DEUA (Departments of Water Supply and Sewerage) and the broader water law as a “double blow” to Epirus, threatening the public character of water, increasing costs for farmers and households, and enabling private development in mountain villages through forced mergers of water utilities with urban entities.