Possible state aid for energy-intensive industry

17.2.2014

Question for written answer E-001790-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

In the Netherlands, the Electricity Law 1998 (volume correction to network tariffs for energy-intensive industry) has recently been amended[1]. The aim of the Law is to apply a volume correction to network tariffs for energy-intensive businesses. Customers who make a ‘relatively large contribution to network stability’ have a percentage volume correction made to the network tariffs charged to them.

However, the Consumer and Markets Authority (ACM) is not sure that this law is compatible with European law: ‘However, the Explanatory Memorandum does not provide any quantitative evidence of the relationship between the consumption profile of energy-intensive industry and the extent to which it helps to limit network costs. In view of this, the ACM’s concerns about the issue of compatibility with European law have not been completely assuaged. ’[2]

1. Is the Commission aware of this discount scheme?

2. Has the Netherlands Government requested an opinion from the Commission concerning the law (in connection with possible state aid)? If so, what view does the Commission take? If not, does the Commission consider that the law ought to be submitted to the Commission for assessment?

• [1] http://www.tweedekamer.nl/vergaderingen/commissievergaderingen/details/index.jsp?id=2013A05267
• [2] http://goo.gl/C2Wxrad

OJ C 312, 12/09/2014