EC Warns France to Implement Third Package
The European Commission has formally called on France to ensure the correct implementation and application of the Electricity Directive, part of the Third Energy Package, it said July 22. It contains key provisions to allow energy markets to function properly, including rules on the unbundling of transmission system operators from energy suppliers and producers, on strengthening the independence and the powers of national regulators and on the improved functioning of retail markets to the benefit of consumers.
The EC found that French law prevents undertakings other than the national incumbent system operator for electricity RTE from building and operating interconnectors to other EU states.
A letter of formal notice was sent to France in February 2015. Since compliance with EU law is not in place yet, the EC is now sending a reasoned opinion. France has two months to inform the EC of the measures taken to remedy the situation; otherwise, the EC may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU.
The EC also criticised Bulgaria for not adhering to the rules regarding energy efficiency of buildings. A detailed examination of the national legislation transposing the directive revealed that Bulgaria failed to ensure that energy performance certificates are always issued and handed to the prospective buyer or tenant for buildings or building units which are sold, constructed or rented out.
On July 21, RTE and Irish Eirgrid announced further work was being done on a high-voltage interconnector to improve security of electricity supply in Ireland and France and increase competition in the all-island single electricity market. "EirGrid and RTE today agreed to progress the project to the next phase of its development, "initial design and pre-consultation," they said.
William Powell