89In the third place, with regard to proportionality in the strict sense of the contested decision, it should be noted that, under that principle, even if it is appropriate and necessary for achieving legitimately pursued goals, the contested decision must not cause disadvantages that are disproportionate to the aims pursued. In that regard, the Republic of Poland argues that the contested decision will result in a decrease in the competitiveness of firms in the Member States where production is based on the use of coal as fuel, compared to competitors located in Member States where production is based on the use of other energy sources such as natural gas. According to the Republic of Poland, this will result, in the former group of States, in drastic increases in the prices of goods, which will have serious social and economic consequences. Moreover, the contested decision has a significant negative influence on the functioning of the internal market and constitutes an obstacle to its proper functioning. It claims that, if the heat benchmarks adopted by the Commission are implemented, beginning in 2013 the price of district heating will increase by approximately 22%.
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