EU: EC opens Tennet antitrust investigation

The European Commission said it was in discussions with the grid operator Tennet over whether it was in violation of EU antitrust rules. The EC is looking at whether Tennet has cut the level of transmission capacity between northern Germany and western Denmark.

“If proven, this behaviour may breach EU antitrust rules, specifically on the abuse of a dominant market position… as it would amount to discrimination against non-German electricity producers and to a segmentation of the single market for energy,” the EC said.

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, added, “Energy should flow freely in Europe so that the electricity produced by a wind turbine in one country can reach the consumers in another.

“Our investigation into Tennet is part of our efforts to ensure that electricity grid operators do not unjustifiably restrict the free flow of electricity between member states, to the detriment of European energy consumers.

“Ensuring that electricity interconnectors remain fully open to cross-border trade is essential to achieve our overall objective of an efficient, sustainable and competitive energy market.”

Full Content: Europa

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