OREANDA-NEWS. May 27, 2013. The Federal Arbitration Court of the North-Western District confirmed legitimacy of the decision of the Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Leningrad Region (Leningrad OFAS Russia) regarding “Lenenergo” OJSC. For committing the violations “Lenenergo” OJSC was fined 8,705,526 Rubles. Earlier the Commission of Leningrad OFAS Russia found that “Lenenergo” OJSC abused its market dominance (in breach of Clause 5 Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”).

The case against the monopolist was initiated upon a petition of “Vsevolozhsk Electricity Mains” (“VPES”) Municipal Enterprise.

In April 2011 – January 2012, “VPES” Municipal Enterprise filed 42 applications to “Lenenergo” OJSC for technological connection of electric devices to the electric power network of “Lenenergo” OJSC. In March 2012, when the antimonopoly investigation was completed, the monopolist still did not respond to ten applications.

Under Clause 15 of the Rules for Technological Connection to Electric Power Networks, a network organization must fill in and sign a draft contract and forward it to an applicant for signing within 30 days after the application is received.

“Lenenergo” OJSC challenged the decision of the antimonopoly body at three Courts and all Courts confirmed legitimacy of the decision and determination issued by Leningrad OFAS Russia.

“We are satisfied with the Court ruling. At the same time it is upsetting that it takes a long time for the judges to give their final assessment of the conclusions of the antimonopoly body authorized to directly regulate the issues of technological connection, while business and citizens kick heels to use their legitimate right for electric power supply for years”, emphasized Deputy Head of Leningrad OFAS Russia, Gleb Konnov.