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Print articleEC Puts Forward Energy Unbundling Plans
September, 2007 -
The European Commission has published its report outlining its proposed changes to the European energy market.
In order to open the continent's gas and electricity markets up to greater competition, the Commission has proposed the separation of energy suppliers and producers, a move which would see the break up of firms such as E.ON and Electricite de France.
ShouldEurope 's energy giants refuse to sell-off parts of their networks, the Commission has sated it would forcibly hive off their operations into independent companies under different management.
In a statement, Centrica, the firm behind British Gas welcomed the development, with its chief executive Sam Laidlaw saying: "The proposals are welcome and are an important step in providing more competitive energy markets for the benefit of Europe's energy customers."
However, the Commission's new report contains several concessions to Europe's largest energy firms, with the proposals allowing companies the option of holding on to the ownership of their power lines or pipes as long as the day-to-day running is handed over to an independent system operating company.
The proposals will now be put forward for debate by the 27 EU member states before being passed through the European Parliament at some point next year.
In order to open the continent's gas and electricity markets up to greater competition, the Commission has proposed the separation of energy suppliers and producers, a move which would see the break up of firms such as E.ON and Electricite de France.
Should
In a statement, Centrica, the firm behind British Gas welcomed the development, with its chief executive Sam Laidlaw saying: "The proposals are welcome and are an important step in providing more competitive energy markets for the benefit of Europe's energy customers."
However, the Commission's new report contains several concessions to Europe's largest energy firms, with the proposals allowing companies the option of holding on to the ownership of their power lines or pipes as long as the day-to-day running is handed over to an independent system operating company.
The proposals will now be put forward for debate by the 27 EU member states before being passed through the European Parliament at some point next year.
