The EU’s competition authorities have forged ahead with their condemnation of competition in Spain’s energy sector, started in 2013 with a document that harshly criticises the existence of important monopolies controlling international grid connections for electricity and natural gas. Two companies, REE and Enagás, respectively, control these lucrative niche services. The EC has now issued a Statement of Motivation, restating their initial findings and urging Spain to change the existing regulations in order to fall in line with EU practice.
The Commission has concluded that current Spanish law prevents companies other than the existing service providers in gas an electricity from building or bidding for international interconnection services. Opening up this market would likely require reforms to Spain’s Electricity and Hydrocarbons laws.
Although the EC only mentions international connections, the change would “spread through the system”, according to experts. The EC’s directives state that interconnections must be exploited by authorized service providers (TSO), implying that should another company obtain the title, they will be able to participate in bidding for the Spanish domestic network.
Full Content: Cinco Días
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Subscribers Defend $4.7 Billion Antitrust Verdict Against NFL in Court Filings
Jul 19, 2024 by
CPI
Von der Leyen Calls for Competition Policy to Boost EU Companies’ Growth
Jul 19, 2024 by
CPI
Vermont AG Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers Over Drug Prices
Jul 18, 2024 by
CPI
Australians Face Increased Stamp Prices Following ACCC Approval
Jul 18, 2024 by
CPI
Live Nation Seeks Dismissal of DOJ Antitrust Allegations
Jul 18, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Private Equity Roll-Up Schemes
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
The FTC’s Focus on Private Equity is Warranted
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Unraveling the Roll-Up: Private Equity’s Misunderstood Investment Strategy
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Focus on Private Equity Funds and Serial Acquisitions
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Private Equity Roll-Ups Amidst Heightened Antitrust Enforcement
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI