Separation of sales and distribution key part of energy restructuring plans
A preliminary government program for the privatization and restructuring of
the energy sector envisages a major overhaul of Polish Oil and Gas (PGNiG).
In the first phase an exploration company would be separated from the oil
giant. Other units to be spun off later would include 23 companies supplying
gas to individual customers. Deputy Economy Minister Marek Kossowski,
explaining another restructuring scenario, said, "We want to separate energy
sales from distribution companies, with the latter remaining in State hands
for a while, handling transmission services." Poland intends to liberalize
the energy market so that by the end of 2005 all customers will be able to
choose their electricity supplier. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 23; Puls Biznesu, p.
10; Reuters) A.Z.
