OREANDA-NEWS. July 24, 2013. Rostov Regional Arbitration Court upheld an over 7 million Rubles administrative fined imposed upon “MRSK-South” – “Rostovenergo” OJSC for delaying connection to a power network.

In December 2012, the Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Rostov region (Rostov OFAS Russia) received a petition from a Taganrog resident about unlawful actions of “MRSK-South” – “Rostovenergo” OJSC, which breached the contract period for connecting the petitioner’s residential house to the power network.

The Commission of Rostov OFAS Russia found that under a contract concluded between the petitioner and “MRSK-South” – “Rostovenergo” OJSC the connection to the power network must have been completed by 21st January 2010.

However, by the time of filing the petition to Rostov OFAS Russia the works had not been carried out.

“In accordance with the Rules for Technological Connection, the period of works for connecting to power networks with voltage under 20 kW cannot exceed six months”, explained Deputy Head of Rostov OFAS Russia, Sergey Baturin.

By breaching the statutory period for connecting to the power network, “MRSK-South” – “Rostovenergo” OJSC abused its market dominance (Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”).

The company was held administratively liable and fined over 7 million Rubles. The fine was challenged at Court; however, Rostov Regional Arbitration Court supported the position of Rostov OFAS Russia and upheld the determination to impose the fine.