The Single Energy Market - arguments of the electricity industry

The discussion about the Single Energy Market shows that different general conditions account for the price differences for electricity in the EC-countries. Harmonisation of these conditions is therefore essential for a further liberalisation of the power and gas markets. The EC Commission's proposals especially on Third Party Access to grids have been rejected by the energy industry. Any furture framework must be based on the principles of the EEC-treaty and not only take the specific conditions of pipeline- and cable transported energy generation into account but aim primarily at a liberalisation of the conditions on the market. (orig.)