VILNIUS - The Estonian state-run energy company Eesti Energia (Estonian Energy) will once again take part in the privatization of Rytu Skirstomieji Tinklai (Eastern Power Grid, or RST), a branch of Lithuania's state-owned electricity company, if the government decides to sell their western electrical grid operations.
"We hope that the tender and its terms are transparent this time. Moreover, we believe that no bidders will be shown preference, and that each bidder will be able to participate on equal terms." Harri Mikk, head of Estonian Energy's law department told the Lietuvos Rytas daily newspaper on Sept. 20.
Mikk said that Estonian Energy would purchase RST if the government announces a tender.
Secretary for the Ministry of Economy, Ancietas Ignotas said that a feasibility study of the privatization would be announced in a week. Yet the preliminary conclusions of the study, he added, which the government will use to make its final decision, will not be known until the end of the year. Estonian Energy was the only bidder to meet the qualifications of the 2003 privatization, but fell through the cracks after Lithuania refused to sell. Estonia threatened to sue but backed down.
The RST power grid covers the regions of Vilnius, Panevezys, Utena and Alytus. RST is a part of the state owned Lietuvos Energija AB company, and is responsible for supplying electricity to 700,000 customers.
