Press Release: State aid: Commission authorises support of up to €170 million for two investment projects in Polish energy sector

The European Commission authorised under EC Treaty state aid rules two support schemes proposed by Poland in the energy sector. One measure is aimed at modernising electricity distribution networks by diminishing energy losses and the second at extending distribution and transmission networks to connect renewable energy sources. The beneficiaries of the aid will be network operators that ensure unrestricted access for competitors to the networks. The measures were in line with Article 87(3)c of the EC Treaty, which allows aid for developing certain economic activities, because the positive effects of the scheme on the environment clearly outweigh potential distortions of competition. The project is financed with the participation of the European Structural Funds and the aid will amount up to €170 million in total.