GDF
Suez SA is entering "a stable period," Chief Executive Gerard
Mestrallet said Friday, referring to the utility's recent court victory
in a protracted battle with the government over natural gas rates.
France's highest administrative court late last year cancelled
the government's two-year-old freeze on household rates, paving the way
for higher prices.
The ruling means the utility can now use a new method for
calculating tariffs that will see rates change every month depending on
various factors, Mr. Mestrallet said during a press conference.
He said it was excellent news for both the company and its customers and will put an end to litigation.
GDF
Suez, which has been struggling in Europe's weak economic environment,
is sticking to its goals and expects growth in the medium term, said Mr.
Mestrallet, who is also chairman.
In their battle with the government, GDF Suez and other gas distributors argued the tariffs, regulated in France, didn't cover their supply costs.