| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Competition |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2019 |
| Content Type | Overview |
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Summary: In-Depth investigation conducted by the European Commission on whether the British Capacity Market scheme to safeguard security of electricity supply is in line with EU State aid rules. Further information: The Capacity Market scheme aims to ensure security of electricity supplies in view of the projected increases in electricity demand and the upcoming closure of a significant share of generation capacity. In return for a steady payment for the duration of the capacity agreement (ranging between 1 and 15 years), successful bidders in the auctions are required to provide capacity at times of stress events on the electricity system or face financial penalties. The European Commission found in June 2014 the Capacity Market scheme to be compatible with EU State aid rules. However, the Court of Justice of the European Union annulled the assessment in November 2018 on procedural grounds, following an appeal by a company operating in the market. The Court did not rule on the compatibility of the scheme with State aid rules, but considered the Commission should have opened an in-depth investigation to gather more information before making the decision. While the Commission appealed the CJEU's judgement, this does not suspend the effects of that judgement, which means the Commission had to reassess the compatibility of the Capacity Market with the internal market. The United Kingdom (UK) expressed to the Commission its intention to maintain the Capacity Market scheme. The in-depth investigation was launched in February 2019 and, on 24 October the European Commission approved this scheme. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=3_SA_35980 |
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| Subject Categories | Energy, Internal Markets |
| Subject Tags | Competition Law | Policy |
| Keywords | Security of Energy Supply, State Aid |
| Countries / Regions | United Kingdom |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
