中国電、赤字２０９７億円に　カルテルで過去最大―２３年３月期

　中国電力は２日、顧客獲得競争を制限するカルテルを結んでいたとされる問題で公正取引委員会から独占禁止法に基づく課徴金納付命令の処分案通知を受けたことに絡み、７０７億円の特別損失を計上すると発表した。これにより２０２３年３月期の連結純損益は過去最大となる２０９７億円の赤字になる見通し。
　中国電は、ロシアのウクライナ侵攻による燃料価格高騰を背景に１３９０億円の赤字を見込んでいたが、カルテル問題で赤字額が膨らむ格好。前月には一般家庭向け規制料金の値上げを経済産業省に申請しており、利用者の反発も招きそうだ。（2022/12/02-10:27）

Japan's Chugoku Electric Power Co. said Friday it expects to report a record consolidated net loss of 209.7 billion yen in fiscal 2022, which will end in March next year, partly due to a fine linked to a price cartel involving the company.
   The major power utility, based in the western Japan city of Hiroshima, said it will book a special loss of 70.7 billion yen linked to the Fair Trade Commission's plan to impose under the antimonopoly law the fine on the company and other power firms for forming a price cartel that would restrict competition for customers.
   Chugoku Electric was already expected to incur a net loss of 139 billion yen, against the backdrop of fuel price rises caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company expanded the loss estimate due to the price cartel issue.
   Last month, Chugoku Electric applied for government approval to raise regulated electricity rates for households. The price hike plan by the cartel-linked firm may draw a backlash from customers.
   The fine to be imposed on the power companies, also including Chubu Electric Power Co. and Kyushu Electric Power Co. , is expected to total about 100 billion yen, a record high for an antitrust fine.