Press Release: State Aid: Commission launches sector inquiry into mechanisms to ensure electricity supplies

On 29 April 2015 the European Commission launched a state aid sector inquiry into national measures to ensure that adequate capacity to produce electricity is available at all times to avoid black-outs (so-called 'capacity mechanisms').

The inquiry gathered information on capacity mechanisms to examine, in particular, whether they ensure sufficient electricity supply without distorting competition or trade in the EU Single Market.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Commission: RAPID: MEMO/15/4892, 29.04.15: State Aid: sector inquiry into capacity mechanisms – frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4892_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Commission to investigate ‘capacity mechanisms’ for illegal subsidies http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-to-investigate-capacity-mechanisms-for-illegal-subsidies/

Deutsche Welle, 29.04.15: EU probes subsidies to power companies http://dw.de/p/1FHbc

The Wall Street Journal, 29.04.15: European Commission Opens Energy -Generation Compensation Inquiry http://www.wsj.com/articles/european-commission-opens-energy-generation-compensation-inquiry-1430306560

EurActiv, 29.04.15: EU investigates government subsidies to power stations http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/eu-investigates-government-subsidies-power-stations-314201

EurActiv, 28.09.15: Commission sends out more than 200 surveys in energy probe http://www.euractiv.com/sections/climate-environment/commission-sends-out-more-200-surveys-energy-probe-318029

---