Holland’s fourth largest energy concern Delta has started legal action against the Dutch state saying that the recent government decision to force energy companies to split off their grids is ‘an illegal act’ which will cost the company ‘hundreds of millions of euros’.

Delta wants compensation for the costs it will be forced to make as a result of the government’s decision which it claims contravenes European Union regulations on the free flow of capital and the right of companies to conduct their business without governmental interference.
The government denies that it is acting illegally. A spokesman for the economic affairs ministry told ANP news agency that the Segregation Law will ensure an independent transport grid which will remain in public ownership.
According to ANP, Holland’s biggest energy concern Essent will discuss the possibility of taking similar legal action with its shareholders in the autumn but that there is ‘a good chance’ that it will do the same.
Nuon, the country’s second largest energy company, told ANP it is not considering legal action against the state.
Essent, Nuon, Eneco and Delta (which are all owned by local and provincial governments) remain fiercely against splitting off their lucrative grid operations.