Power suppliers in Greece have reached a critical point considering their inability to finance their increasing liquidity needs and remain in operation.
The suppliers’ capital needs are increasing rapidly along with power prices, since these companies are obligated to pay cash for the electricy they buy daily in the energy exchange.
Given the fact that in August power prices are expected to rise significantly, since the price of gas is passed on one month later in the Greek market, the suppliers’ liquidity needs will also rise considerably.
Furthermore, suppliers are also faced with the following:
Financing for over a month consumer subsidies announced by the government.
The rise of unpaid bills and arrears on behalf of consumers.
Damages from consumers who make use of easy change of supplier.
The obligation to pay their charges to grid operators regardless of having collected it by their consumers.
Suppliers have exhausted their ability to procure new financing from banks, as well as their shareholders’ ability to support them.