According to Priit Ploompuu, board member of the Estonian Stockpiling Agency, the results of the first public procurement are generally satisfactory.
‘The operating logic of crisis stores is novel in Estonia – both private operators and the state are taking on commitments to achieve greater resilience in the public interest. For its part, the stockpiling agency will provide these stores with powerful electricity generators. Merchants will invest in upgrading their technical systems so that in the event of a large-scale power cut, the store and its pharmacy and ATM would be able to continue operating on an alternative power supply. People need time to get used to this model of cooperation and businesses need to be aware of it,’ Ploompuu explained.
Pursuant to the contract, stores have 18 months to adapt their electricity systems work with the generator, but this period is likely to be significantly shorter.
In agreement with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the ESPA does not disclose information on the exact locations of the crisis stores for security reasons. When the crisis store is ready for operation, the Stockpiling Agency forwards this information to the Regional Crisis Committee and the local government.
The Estonian Stockpiling Agency is planning to launch the next procurement for crisis stores this autumn. New regions will be added and merchants will be able to offer up stores again in cities and rural municipalities that were not selected in the first procurement. In mid-October, the ESPA will organise another information day for businesses to explain the principles of the procurement.
The government has set a goal for the ESPA to make 110 stores across Estonia that sell groceries and essentials crisis-proof by the end of 2026. As a minimum requirement, stores in the network must be open five hours a day and stock a range of the most common foodstuffs and essentials during a crisis. If an ATM and a pharmacy are located in the same building as the store, their essential electricity needs should also be covered by the generator power where possible.
In parallel with the search for crisis stores, the ESPA will procure suitable electrical generators for the stores, with capacities ranging from 80 to 250 kVA. The ESPA can deliver the first generators to the stores that have made the preparations at the end of this year.
Setting up a network of crisis stores covering all of Estonia will cost the ESPA 4–5 million euros, of which the largest cost will be for the purchase and maintenance of the generators.
The network of crisis stores is being established by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the Estonian Stockpiling Agency in cooperation with merchants.
