29 September 2020, Budapest – The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) and the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) have renewed their cooperation agreement. The two authorities will continue to cooperate closely in the future to ensure the sound, transparent functioning of the energy and public utility markets.

A renewal of the cooperation agreement existing since 2014 between the Hungarian Competition Authority and the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority has also been made necessary by legislative changes that have occurred in the meantime. With regard to the future, the parties have agreed on consultations on the methodology with respect to the so-called significant market power proceedings of the MEKH pursuant to the acts on electricity and natural gas supply. The authorities have also decided on regular consultations in cases related to the integrity and transparency of wholesale energy markets and the competition law violations of these markets. In addition, the two authorities will broaden their cooperation regarding relations with international organisations and foreign counterparts.

The common intention of the parties is that their closer cooperation on an equal footing will increase the efficacy of the completion of their tasks and of law enforcement, mutually assisting each other beyond the cooperation required by the law.

“This renewed agreement is able to deepen the professional work between the authorities in a way that is even more profound than before. This cooperation relates to markets that affect every consumer and undertaking in the country, thus every person Hungary can profit from an effective cooperation” – said Csaba Balázs Rigó, President of the Hungarian Competition Authority.

“I consider it an important step that the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority and the Hungarian Competition Authority can strengthen their cooperation – said Péter János Horváth, President of the MEKH. – The professional and practical questions and the law enforcement experience discussed during leader and expert consultations will contribute significantly to improve the conditions of the competition in the electricity, natural gas, district heating, water utility and waste management sectors, market surveillance proceedings, investigation procedures, conducting joint research and law-making in the interests of consumers.”

The presidents of the two authorities signed the agreement on 29 September 2020.

 

GVH Press Office

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