Italian Antitrust Agency Penalizes Energy Firms for 'Forceful' Invoicing

16 Nov, 2023

Italian Antitrust Agency Penalizes Energy Firms for 'Forceful' Invoicing

Italy's antitrust agency, the AGCM, has levied fines exceeding 15.6 million euros on six Italian energy providers, notably Eni and Enel, for breaching regulations by charging consumers higher rates during a period when the government had banned unilateral price hikes for gas and electricity supplies.

Enel, facing the maximum penalty of 10 million euros, and Eni, fined 5 million euros, were both found guilty of increasing prices for more than 4 million customers without prior warning between August 2022 and June 2023.

Furthermore, Acea and Dolomiti Energia, regional utility companies, received fines of 560,000 euros and 50,000 euros, respectively, for failing to provide customers with the stipulated notice period before implementing price hikes.

Iberdrola's Italian unit was fined 25,000 euros for resorting to coercive measures, threatening to disconnect customers unless they accepted altered contract terms entailing unfavorable economic conditions.

In contrast, Edison was fined a nominal amount of 5,000 euros. Although the company raised prices prematurely, it promptly reimbursed affected customers, and its actions impacted a relatively small number of individuals, as affirmed by the regulatory body.

This authoritative move by the AGCM underscores its commitment to upholding consumer rights and enforcing adherence to regulatory directives. The fines serve as a clear warning to energy providers, emphasizing the severe repercussions of unauthorized price increases and unfair consumer practices.