This was reported by three sources familiar with the matter.
During a meeting in Paris with advisers this week, the French nuclear group dispelled doubts that the decree – aimed at reducing energy bills – might force Edf to shelve its plans, the sources told Reuters, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.
The clarification came after comments from Edison CEO Nicola Monti regarding the possibility that the decree could jeopardize Edf's plans for its subsidiary.
"Unfortunately (...) depending on how the decree is structured, it could change the outlook of our business plan and also the potential opening of the capital to third parties," Monti said on February 18.
A few hours later, the government announced the details of the so-called 'energy bill decree.'
Sources had told Reuters last year that Edf's subsidiary could be valued at up to 10 billion euros.
Initial estimates indicate a potential negative impact on investments and growth prospects, particularly in the renewables sector in Italy, an Edf spokesperson said.
"Edison's teams are analyzing the possible consequences. Edf is also evaluating, together with its advisers, the impact of these various elements on the ongoing strategic review regarding a potential minority transaction involving the subsidiary's capital," the spokesperson added.
The decree provides for reimbursement of CO2 costs to gas-fired power plants, a measure that has lowered expectations for wholesale energy prices, though it still requires approval from the European Commission.
The decree also cuts subsidies for certain renewable projects and increases the Irap tax.
Uncertainty over the final regulatory framework will persist until Brussels has reviewed the decree and the government has converted it into law.
Edf has been working with Intesa Sanpaolo and Lazard since October to prepare the sale of a minority stake in Edison.
(Translated by Claudio Leonel Piacquadio, editing by Sabina Suzzi)
