Czech state-controlled power collosus ČEZ is ready to sell its half share in German mining company MIBRAG to joint owner Energetický a Průmyslový Holding (EPH), according to the Czech weekly Týden. It says the deal is prompted by another deal to sell EPH a power plant together with long-term coal supplies and the looming outcome of a probe by European Commission competition watchdogs.

Czech power utility ČEZ chief executive Martin Roman told a parliament hearing on Wednesday that Germany’s use of neighboring countries’ grids (such as the Czech Republic and Poland) for the north-south electricity flow was de facto illegal — and Berlin should pay Kč 7 billion to make use of the networks.

The surge of media interest stirred up by reports that the Ministry of Finance’s special auditing section is probing state-power giant ČEZ's purchase and construction of two big solar projects demonstates well-used links between the ministry and media, a complicated corporate structure for the companies under the spotlight, and what is probably a clear sub-plot to discredit Defense Minister Alexandr Vondra.

Czech Coal says current contract prices of coal for municipal heating companies in the Czech Republic are too low and it wants a larger share of profits. Meanwhile, the heating companies charge that the miner is abusing its monopoly position, consumers will face considerably higher bills, and the rise in prices will threaten the viability of the industry.