RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, has approved a formula determining the required revenue for electricity distribution networks, an important first step towards the finalization of distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s regulatory framework, essential for its privatization procedure to offer a 49 percent stake, sources have informed.

A WACC level still needs to be set and approved for the operator. RAE intends to reach a decision by December 31 so that prospective buyers can have even greater clarity on the operator’s potential revenue.

Given the time required for the processing of related data concerning the operator’s regulated earnings and the network’s business development plan for 2021 to 2024, RAE should deliver a decision on the four-year period by March 31, 2021, which would be retroactively applied as of January 1, 2021.

The new framework includes two periods covering 2021-2024 and 2025-2028, offering investors a long-term picture of the investment’s potential yield.

According to sources, the authority intends to set a WACC level of just below 7 percent for 2021-2024, highly attractive for investors given levels of no more than 2.5 percent offered by equivalent distribution network operators around Europe.

RAE plans to launch a market test, to measure the level of investor interest in DEDDIE/HEDNO, next month.

Prior to the pandemic, Germany’s EON, Italy’s Enel, Enedis – an EDF subsidiary – as well as a number of Chinese companies, had expressed interest in the DEDDIE/HEDNO privatization plan.