Stredoslovenská energetika, a. s. - Electricity Market Liberalization for Households
July 1, 2007 represents a milestone for the Stredoslovenská energetika, a. s. (SSE) company. On this date, the unbundling of the distribution system operation came into force in compliance with the laws of the European Union and the Slovak Republic, whereby the newly established company Stredoslovenská energetika - Distribúcia, a. s., (SSE-D) started providing distribution services for almost 700 000 customers in the Central Slovakia.
At the same time, the market becomes fully liberalized, which means that all electricity customers in the category of households have the right to choose their provider.
The unbundling of the distribution system operation has no impact on electricity supply provided by SSE as the supplier based on the existing contracts. However, the content of the contracts is amended - the current contracts for the supply to households turn into contracts on combined supply and distribution and the existing fixed supply prices are changed into maximum prices valid for the whole region based on a decree of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries.
The amount of individual integrated prices (supply, distribution and other regulated fees) remains unchanged. In the same vein, the contracts, payment method and the amount of advance payments agreed between our company and the customers prior to 1 July 2007 continue to be valid.
The nature of contractual relations turns into the provision of a universal service, which means combined supply and distribution of electricity. There is no need to amend the contracts executed before 1 July 2007 because, apart from the supply, they also include distribution provided by the supplier, Stredoslovenská energetika, a.s., based on the mandate of SSE-D. However, if the customers are interested in signing a new contract, it is possible to terminate the contracts valid and effective as of 1 July 2007 within 30 days of the opening of the market.
Just like unbundling, i.e. legal separation of activities related to the distribution system operation from other activities, the electricity market liberalization fully complies with the EU and Slovak legislation.
Opening of the household electricity market inspires SSE to continue to improve its services. The liberalization of the electricity market is an integral part of the company’s development towards better and more comprehensive customer services. SSE is committed to improve comfort of the customers and facilitate further economic development of Central Slovakia as the region where it operates.
Further information on the electricity market liberalization and unbundling is available for the customers at www.sse.sk or at the customer call centre number of Stredoslovenská energetika, a.s.: 0850 111 468.
In ®ilina, 1. 7. 2007
SSE supplies energy for life and business to almost 700.000 customers. Our home market is central Slovakia where we have been active for more than 80 years. With building new connections, investing in our distribution network and supporting public interests we contribute to the further economic development of our region and improved comfort of our inhabitants. SSE is a member of the EdF, one of the largest international energy group.
Media contact: Ing. Radoslava Gbelská, Director of Communication dpt, tel:041/519 2979,
gbelska@sse.sk
