Lázár seeks to review utility companies on suspicion of overcharging

Energy Trade

Cabinet Chief János Lázár said on Saturday that he plans to conduct a review of how utility companies measure and bill their customers following suspicions of overcharging, Hungarian news agency MTI reported citing Lázár’s interview with commercial station HírTV.

Lázár said that the gas and electricity sector can expect to come under scrutiny initially, followed by the waterworks and waste management sectors.

According to Lázár the state became aware of data that suggested the manipulation of metering and billing by gas distributor Főgáz when it conducted due diligence on the company before acquiring its shares. In a number of cases, Főgáz overcharged blocks of flats 20-30%, while refusing residents' request to replace meters, he added.

"I don't have to say how many people regularly complain about the value of the gas they use to heat and cook. I think there is overcharging going on," Lázár added.

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