The Antitrust has launched an investigation against the companies of the Enel group active in the electric mobility sector. For Enel X Way, Enel X Way Italy and Ewiva (the latter jv with the Volkswagen group), i.e. entities that operate as Cpo Charging Point Operators "seem to be able to configure a dominant position in the markets for the installation and management of electric recharging columns on the national territory”, reports the Competition and Market Guarantor Authority.
Antitrust allegations
According to the Antitrust, the three companies would have implemented a compression of operators' marginsi active in the supply of electric recharging services to end customers. These companies charge wholesale prices (roaming tariffs, within the interoperability contracts with the various Mobile Service Providers) for access to their columns which are insufficient to allow minimal profitability when compared with the retail prices charged to end customers by the group company active as an MSP through its "Enel X Way" app.
The compression would take place both on consumer prices charged at retail and, and to a greater extent, with reference to the so-called “packages” or “flat offers” che allow you to withdraw a certain number of kWh per month for a predetermined total amount.
"This conduct appears suitable for excluding the currently active MSP operators from the market and for limiting the possible entry of other non-integrated operators who may be interested in this developing market, also due to the possible offer of new services in support of electric mobility of an innovative nature”, explains the Authority.
Yesterday, Antitrust officials carried out inspections in the offices of Enel X Way, Enel X Way Italia, Ewiva and some companies not parties to the proceeding with the help of the special antitrust unit of the Guardia di Finanza.
Enel's answer
Enel X Way and Enel X Way Italia specify “that they always have acted in full compliance with the rules".
“The proceeding – stated the two companies in a note – concerns the alleged compression of the margins of competing operators in the market for recharging services for electric cars via columns positioned in places open to the public”. At this juncture, Enel X Way and Enel X Way Italia specify that they have supported "the development of electric mobility in Italy, guaranteeing sustainable costs for the operators and competitive prices in the interest of end customers compatibly with a difficult market context determined by a strong volatility of energy prices during 2022. This market dynamic has in fact affected the price policies of all operators and substantially eroded everyone's margins subjects operating on the market, including Enel X Way, and not only those who have reported an alleged abuse of position to the Authority”.
The companies therefore say they are confident that they can demonstrate “the full legitimacy and correctness of one's actions during the preliminary discussion with the Authority's offices”.
