Vattenfall to Exit French Energy Market as Rules Change

Swedish utility Vattenfall AB is poised to exit the French energy retail market, as prices decline and power distributors no longer have the option to buy discounted power from Electricite de France SA.

Alterna Energie, a company controlled by French energy group Soregies, plans to acquire Vattenfall Energies SA, the utility’s electricity and gas retail unit that serves businesses and households in the country. Vattenfall is reviewing its portfolio to focus investment on markets where production, distribution and supply complement its ambitions more, a spokesperson said.