Energy demand
Final energy consumption was 302.671PJ in 2007. The consumption has decreased by about 11% since 1992, but rose by apprx. 20% since 2001. Final consumption per capita was 1.35 PJ in 2007.[Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia]
Demand per sector
Final energy consumption by sector, Latvia, 2009, in %
Final Energy Demand of the Residential Sector in Latvia, 2009
Final energy demand of the residential sector of Latvia, as compared to that of other CEEC, Austria, and the EU 15, 2008
Primary Energy Intensity in MJ per GDP (gross domestic product) at purchase power parity for Latvia, as compared to other countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and the EU 15, 2008
Primary energy intensity is an indicator to show how much energy is needed to produce one quantity of economic output.
With 9.5 MJ/$95ppp, the energy intensity of Latvia has decreased to almost half of what it was in 1992. Among the countries which will join the European Union in 2004, Latvia ranges third best in energy intensity after Slovenia and Hungary.
Demand of Electricity per GDP (MWh/M$05) and per Capita (kWh/hab) for Latvia, as compared to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and the European Union 15, 2008
The deviation of electricity demand per GDP of a country from that of Austria or the EU average indicates, how efficiently electricity is utilised in the respective economy in comparison to the EU or to Austria. If the electricity demand per GDP decreases – what can be expected for the future in CEE countries – more national income in the form of GDP will be produced with the same amount of electricity (the black bars in the figure will decrease in this case).
Final Consumption (TJ) | Solid fuels | Crude oil | Oil products | Gas | Hydro., Nucl. | Elec. | Heat | Biomass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
industry | 1685 | 2760 | 8781 | 5615 | 393 | 5314 | 24548 | ||
transport | 41538 | 33 | 417 | 196 | 42185 | ||||
households, services | 1423 | 5799 | 7996 | 15992 | 20031 | 31711 | 82952 | ||
non energy uses |
| 3941 | 3941 | ||||||
total | 3108 | 54038 | 16810 | 22024 | 20424 | 37221 | 153625 | ||
Prices
The prices of electricity, gas and heat are fixed by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The other prices are defined by supply companies. The energy prices have increased strongly since 1990, especially in 1992 and 2007. With electricity prices multiplied by 20 between 1990 and 1992, many customers – both residential and industrial – were no longer able to pay their electricity and heat bills. Therefore, since 1994, the increase of the energy prices has been controlled by the government. Still, for the last four years until 2008, electricity prices increased by almost 50%.
Electricity Prices
One tariff for residents was defined by decision Nr. 52 of the PUC on February 27th, 2008: approximately 9,7 € c/kWh. The medium term objective is a tariff structure corresponding to the economic costs and allowing financially viable investments.
Heat Prices
Heat tariffs for heat energy generated in cogeneration plants are regulated by the PUC based on the Law On Regulators of Public Services.
Methodology for tariff calculation is describe by the Cabinet of Ministers approved regulation Nr. 281 from June, 2006 (amended in August, 2008). Tariffs are calculated for each heat supply service – generation, distribution, and trade. Uncontrolled part of the double-rate tariff is defined in lats and santims for a megawatthour (Ls/MWh), the set part is defined in lats and santims for a megawatt (Ls/MW). Tariffs for accounting period are defined according to natural gas end tariffs for those companies whose variable costs (fuel or heat energy) depend on end tariffs for natural gas trade. A company is free to choose the type of tariff – single or double rate. Tariff can be calculated for one, two or three year period, but actual costs for the previous period are evaluated yearly.
Tariffs are calculated based on heat meter data and energy efficiency activity results and are evaluated based on previous year consumption data. Prices for heat energy vary depending on the district heating system and location. According to the PUC decision made on December 12th, 2007, the following tariff is approved for JSC“Rigas SIltums”: 35.46 Ls/MWh (without VAT) (50,66 EUR/MWh, 1Eur – 0.70Ls). For last four years (until 2008 ) the heat energy price increase was 45-46% for district heating systems. [Ekodoma]
