07/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Surprise inspections of electricty industry. On Tuesday 7 February, the European Commission said that surprise inspections had been carried out that same day of the premises of companies active in managing power exchanges in several member states. Power exchanges provide services that facilitate electricity trading at wholesale level, not quoting any names. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated European antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices. Epex-Spot SE, jointly owned by Euronext and Germany's EEX, was raided in Paris, explained an EEX spokesperson. The Commission said that inspections had also been carried out elsewhere in the EEA, which comprises the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. (OL/transl.fl)