PS12755 - Italian Competition Authority: moral suasion towards 13 companies active in the supply of electricity and gas on the free market
PRESS RELEASE
The companies targeted by the moral suasion are Illumia, Jen Energia, Dolomiti Energia, Axpo Italia (Pulsee Luce & Gas), Ajo' Energia, Acea Energia, Ecom-Energu Comune, Agsm Aim Energia, Hera Comm, Wekiwi, Omnia Energia, Semplice Gas & Luce, E.On Energia. The Authority continues to keep a close eye on the Electricity and Gas Market
The Italian Competition Authority has decided to initiate 13 moral suasion interventions towards the companies Illumia, Jen Energia, Dolomiti Energia, Axpo Italia (Pulsee Luce & Gas), Ajo' Energia, Acea Energia, Ecom-Energu Comune, Agsm Aim Energia, Hera Comm, Wekiwi, Omnia Energia, Semplice Gas & Luce, and E.On Energia because the offers advertised on-line did not fully comply with consumer protection regulations.
In particular, following the planned termination of the protected market, the Authority monitored the commercial offers proposed by the main electricity and gas sales companies on the free market to verify the transparency and completeness of the promotional information provided to consumers, with regard to both economic components and environmental claims.
The Authority identified critical issues in various cost items because some of the charges composing the energy price were missing. With regard to environmental claims, on the other hand, it was found that some claims made by the companies did not provide substantiated and certified information on the concrete actions carried out.
Therefore, the Authority invited the companies concerned to supplement their promotional information in a clear and comprehensive manner, by indicating all charges (provided at the discretion of the sales companies) that make up the energy expenditure. In addition, the Authority called for the provision of complete and correct information on green claims, accompanied by certifications and attestations of environmental merits, which could be easily consulted.
These latest initiatives are part of a significant attention that the Competition Authority is lending and will continue to lend to the electricity and gas market, as reiterated by President Roberto Rustichelli during the hearing on the issues related to the transition from the protected market to the free electricity market at the Production Activities Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, held on Tuesday 28 May.
Rome, 3 June 2024