European Commission investigates Electrabel

The investigation follows complaints by the green energy suppliers Electrawinds and Eneco. These companies feel that Electrabel has become too dominant on the Belgian electricity market.

In return for being allowed to keep the power plants open longer Electrabel will pay the Belgian state 250 million euros annually. Rival electricity generators say that this is only a fraction of the profits Electrabel will make from keeping the stations open longer.

The EC is now examining whether Electrabel is making abuse of its dominant position and is not enjoying unwarranted government support.

The deal between the Belgian state and Electrabel's parent company GDF Suez dates from 2009, when the present European President, Herman Van Rompuy, was still Belgian Premier.