Ministry set to intervene if wholesale prices do not fall

The energy ministry is seriously examining the prospect of imposing a price ceiling, next week, on wholesale electricity prices if they do not deescalate over the next three days.

Wholesale electricity prices have risen sharply since last month’s  launch of the target model, pitched by the government as a price-reducing tool.

Day-ahead market prices for today – based on offers made prior to on online meeting between energy minister Costis Hatzidakis and electricity producers – fell mildly to 77 euros per MWh from 90 euros per MWh on Thursday.

If current prices do not fall further, it is a matter of time before suppliers pass them on to the retail market. Prior to the target model, wholesale electricity price levels ranged between 55 and 60 euros per MWh.

Some suppliers are considering to activate cost-related clauses for their tariff prices, while others have done so already, sources informed.

Producers contend the ascent in wholesale electricity prices reflects actual market conditions, adding that their power stations were previously incurring operational losses under the preceding pricing system.

However, energy ministry officials believe producers are exploiting certain rules to artificially raise prices. Hatzidakis, the energy minister, has urged producers to heed the government’s call or face intervention as of Monday.