Finance

Czech watchdog launches formal probe into collusion in heat and power plant auction

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 4, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Czech watchdog launches formal probe into collusion in heat and power plant auction
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PRAGUE (Reuters) -The Czech anti-monopoly office UOHS has started an investigation into a potential cartel agreement among three major Czech energy suppliers, it said on Wednesday. A spokesman said

Czech Anti-Monopoly Office Investigates Possible Cartel in Energy Auction

PRAGUE (Reuters) -The Czech anti-monopoly office UOHS has started an investigation into a potential cartel agreement among three major Czech energy suppliers, it said on Wednesday.

A spokesman said the case followed up on an initial probe last year in a case when UOHS inspected premises of electricity producers CEZ, EPH and Veolia Energie over a government auction for state aid for building power plants.

UOHS was looking into whether the three companies coordinated bids in the auction meant to pick companies to build gas or biomass power and heat plants as part of a decarbonisation drive.

CEZ, EPH and Veolia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Key Takeaways

  • Czech UOHS investigates potential cartel in energy auction.
  • Three major energy suppliers are under scrutiny.
  • The investigation follows an initial probe last year.
  • CEZ, EPH, and Veolia are the companies involved.
  • The auction was for building gas or biomass plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the UOHS investigation?
The UOHS is investigating a potential cartel agreement among three major Czech energy suppliers regarding their bids in a government auction for state aid.
Which companies are involved in the investigation?
The companies under investigation are CEZ, EPH, and Veolia Energie.
What was the purpose of the auction being investigated?
The auction was intended to select companies to build gas or biomass power and heat plants as part of a decarbonisation initiative.
Did the companies respond to the investigation?
CEZ, EPH, and Veolia did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation.

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