OREANDA-NEWS. August 22, 2013. The Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Republic of Karelia (Karelia OFAS Russia) found that “Prionezhie Network Company” OJSC (“PSK” OJSC) violated the antimonopoly law. The company failed to observe the deadlines for technological connection to electric power network (Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”) and concluded contracts infringing the interests of physical persons who petitioned for technological connection.

Earlier Karelia OFAS received complaints from members of general public that “PSK” OJSC breached the deadlines for technological connection of country houses (dachas) to electric power networks. The period for technological connection of power receivers of physical persons, whose maximum capacity is up to 15 kW inclusive (accounting for the earlier connected capacity in this connection point) cannot exceed six months.

An inspection revealed that although all statutory periods for technological connection expired, “PSK” OJSC had not even started the works.

Karelia OFAS issued a determination to “PSK” OJSC to stop violating the antimonopoly law and fined the company 159,000 Rubles.

On 11th January 2013 the Arbitration Court of the Republic of Karelia confirmed legitimacy and reasonableness of the decision and determination issued by Karelia OFAS, and on 22nd March 2013 the 13th Arbitration Appeal Court passed the same ruling.

“Violating the deadline for technological connection to electric power network by a network company infringed consumer interest to a no less extent that avoiding contracts. FAS welcomes establishing positive judicial practice on this problem”, pointed out the Head of FAS Department for Control over Electric Power Industry, Vitaly Korolyov.