Brussels, 23/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - Last week, the European Commission gave the go-ahead to the creation of a joint venture between Verbund, the largest Austrian electricity provider, and Siemens of Germany, to provide e-mobility services across Austria. E-mobility services are needed for operating electric vehicles, including the provision of charging infrastructure, electricity from renewable sources and information services. The Commission found that the operation did not give rise to any competition concerns, in particular because there is no overlap between the parties' activities. Moreover, barriers to entry and expansion are relatively low, as inputs are readily available and investment costs for charging stations and other equipment are very moderate. The Commission is satisfied that the technology used by the joint venture, economic incentives, and regulatory oversight will lead to effective competition based on an open standard for e-mobility services in Austria, which will thus be accessible to all operators.
“Vertical” relationships exist between Verbund's activity of supplying electricity to industry and large commercial customers and Siemens's activities in the manufacture, supply and installation of charging infrastructure for e-mobility solutions. While Verbund is an important electricity supplier, the amount of energy needed for e-mobility services is so low that there is no risk of shutting out competitors from the market. On the other hand, while Siemens is a supplier of charging infrastructure for e-mobility solutions, there are many other suppliers on this market so that likewise there is no risk that customers would be shut out from access to these products and services. The Commission therefore decided to authorise the deal, notified on 16 August 2012. (FG/transl.fl)