Today, the energy-sector regulator will hold a press conference on energy prices for 2003. The regulator-proposed end-user electricity prices for 2003 were already made public; regulated prices will be decreased at five out of eight regional electricity distributors (ranging from 1.7% to 9%).
EU-member industry ministers yesterday approved 2007 as the deadline for the complete liberalization of gas and electricity markets in the EU (previously planned for 2005). The liberalization of the Czech electricity market, due to be complete by 2006, will therefore not be influenced by the EU deadline.
Jiri Soustruznik