After all RTE and ERDF are not in a financial emergency

Commission Regulation of energy has proposed to the Government an increase in the rates of flow of electricity (Turpe) which could be of the order of 10 over four years. What do you think

We are clearly favourable to investments to improve the quality of the networks. This has not been done for a long time and it is an important element of the relationship with our customers. But this increase is not proportional to the progression of the investment. According to our estimates, less than 10 of the proposed increase is linked to these new expenditures. It is a biased presentation which hides another reality: when tens and ERDF carry electricity, part of the energy is lost by a phenomenon of global warming. Network managers must therefore purchase electricity on the wholesale market to offset these losses. However, wholesale prices, which do not reflect the costs of production of the national park, went from 40 to 80 euros mégawatheure between 2005 and 2008. It is that he wants us to pay.

To what extent are you affected

We buy energy, on the one hand, and routing, on the other hand. To be competitive, we then sell the current at a price lower than the rate regulated, that integrates all of these costs. We cannot accept that our costs increase if our prices are, de facto, blocked both that the regulated tariff is him at the same level. Or raise the tariff appears difficult for the Government because the public service between EDF and limit state contract rising inflation. In these conditions, an increase of the Turpe étranglerait a little more alternative suppliers. This threatens to kill the competition.

What do you propose

Where is the urgency to accept an increase in the Turpe now The Commission Champsaur, that the Government has appointed, must precisely flat back electricity rates and give its findings within six months. Let him the time to ask the right questions! That it conducts its work in serenity, I request the Ministers of the environment as well as economy and finance to refuse the request of the CRE and postpone the decision for six months. After all, RTE and ERDF are not in a financial emergency.

If the Government increases despite the rate routing, what will you do

At the exit of the order, we will consider to enter the Council of State. Because we believe that the adverse impacts of this increase on competition and on consumer purchasing power are not legitimate.

You had appealed in January of the decision of the Council of competition in the auction organized by EDF for the sale of current wholesale. You felt the price too high. Where are you in this litigation

We have withdrawn our appeal and put an end to our dispute with EDF. I have no other comment to make.

You want to build a power of 800 MW to cycle combined gas in Oise. How do you fund this project estimated at EUR 550 million financial crisis

Direct energy is indeed planning to develop natural gas production capacity, but already invests in wind, solar and hydraulic energy. We study with attention the renewal of the hydroelectric concessions. He is to meet the current needs of our customers 200,000, and taking into account the fact that we want more than 1 million customers by 2010. But in view of the coal production capacities which will disappear in the next seven years in France, it is also to respond to the need for national security of supply, and more with a beneficial balance from an environmental point of view. Given the strength of our shareholders, Louis Dreyfus, François 1 energy and EBM group, we are quite confident in the possibility of financing these investments.