End-user energy market only half liberalized

The reason for not liberalizing the whole energy market in Poland is, according to URE, prevention of rapid price increases for end-users.

"Any liberalization is good, but URE's decision does not remove all barriers. We believe that only the operators' market should be regulated. Production and distribution of electrical energy should take place on free market principles, without setting any fixed tariffs," claimed energy specialists from PKPP Lewiatan in a written response to the decision.

The fourth quarter of 2007 has seen some confusing activity regarding energy market liberalization. On October 31, URE president Swora decided to free distribution companies from the fixed price rates customarily assigned them by URE. This decision was repealed on November 15, however, by Swora.