Hellas Power and Energa on Friday announced their intention to restart operations in the Greek market and to claim 80 million euros from DESMHE, the electricity energy distribution operator, following a decision by the country’s top court.

In a joint news conference, the two companies said part of this money would be returned to their former customers. www,amna.gr

The representatives of Worldwide Energy Limited (WEL), the company which bought the two retail electricity providers last November, told reporters that the company was seeking compensation worth more than 350 million euros.

They attributed a decision to revoke their operating license in Greece to a lack of reaction by the ministry and the regulatory authority as well as to "undermining" by other rival interests in the country, as they claimed.

WEL is based in Dubai.

It was founded in October with an equity capital of 20,000 euros.