Transelectrica is OPCOM’s sole shareholder.
“OPCOM may be discriminating against companies on the basis of their nationality or place of establishment,” the Commission said in a statement Tuesday.
The Commission is investigating OPCOM’s requirement that all participants on the spot markets on the power exchange hold a Romanian VAT registration and consequently are established in Romania.
This business practice may increase the cost for foreign traders to do business on the power exchange and deter foreign traders from entering the Romanian electricity wholesale market, thereby reducing market liquidity and efficiency, the statement noted.
“An opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation; it only means that the Commission will proceed with an in-depth investigation,” the Commission said.
Transelectrica is controlled by the state, through the Economy Ministry.