Energy policy framework
In the spring of 2006, the Federal Chancellor, Angela Merkel, invited senior representatives from the energy sector and industry for the first time to attend high-level talks aimed at compiling an overall energy policy concept by 2007. In his function as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of MVV Energie AG, the Lord High Mayor of Mannheim, Gerhard Widder, took part in this energy summit. From the point of view of municipal utility companies, it is crucial that the future structure of the energy markets should provide a fair competitive framework for all market players.
In June 2006, the Federal Government adopted the National Allocation Plan for the second stage of EU-wide emissions trading (NAP II), which will have to be revised following objections raised by the EU Commission. This plan governs the allocation of CO2 certificates to participating companies for the years 2008 to 2012. It is to be expected that there will be a considerable reduction in allocations for existing plant in the energy industry. The amendment of the German Cogeneration Act (KWKG) announced by the Federal Government will provide further momentum for this technology.
In January 2006, the Federal Cartel Office decreed the limitation of long-term gas supply agreements. The gas procurement activities of the MVV Energie Group are not affected by this measure.
The publication of power plant data relevant to the market by the four large electricity generation companies, which since April 2006 has been undertaken via the internet site of the EEX (European Energy Exchange), means that a longstanding demand of the MVV Energie Group for greater transparency, such as that promoted at our own generation locations, has now been met.
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