In France, a parliamentary committee has shelved a bill to open its electricity market to European Union (eu) competition. This has flown in the face of an eu directive -- it requires a eu member state to allow the largest 25 per cent of their electricity consumers to buy their power from suppliers in other eu states -- and now France could face legal action from the European Commission (ec).
If half of 20 eu members agree the ec is justified in taking legal action, then this would be the second round of such action against France. In late December, the eu started legal action against France after it refused to overturn its ban on British beef imports.
The French decision was also criticised by other European countries. The common refrain was: while the state utility Electricite de France (edf) was free to acquire market share elsewhere in Europe -- edf has already taken control of London Electricity and the supply side of South West Electricity, for instance -- other countries couldn't do the same within France. The uk, the Netherlands and Spain hinted they may keep edf out of their more liberalised power markets if Paris didn't improve.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.