Update on the unbundling legislation debate

On 13 February 2006, the Standing Parliamentary Committee for Economic Affairs met with the Minister of Economic Affairs to discuss his draft bill for the ownership unbundling of the energy companies. 

At the meeting, members of parliament raised a series of pointed questions on the impact of the envisaged unbundling, especially on consumers' energy costs. 

The Minister attempted to provide answers to these questions, but was unable to convince the House of the benefits and drawbacks of his bill. As a result, the House agreed to a further evaluation of the pros and cons of ownership unbundling. The evaluation needs to be completed within four weeks, following which the Parliamentary Committee will discuss the findings with the Minister. 

Essent offers the Minister its cooperation with the evaluation to ensure that the House makes a well-founded decision based on all the information available. 

It needs to be stressed that the House reached no decision during the meeting on 13 February. It was an initial discussion with the Minister; the final discussion will take place once the evaluation report is ready and its findings have been accepted by the House. 

For the record, after the Lower House has reached its decision, the bill still has to be presented to the Upper House. This body can vote against it. 

We will keep you informed on further developments via our website. 

Published: 14 February 2006