The electricity trading part of the north-western power distribution group controlled by the Czech Electricity Company (CEZ) announced a tender for the sale of 1.76TWh electricity next year. The power comes from the free quota of the thermo-power plant in the country’s third largest city of Varna . Electricity traders are invited to bid for quantities above 10MWh by Oct 22. The ranking of offers will be based on price criterion; the contracts will be signed by Nov 27 while supplies are expected to start in January. CEZ Trade holds a share of about 10% of electricity wholesale market, according to company’s estimates and offers 40% of the electricity on the free market at present. The coal-fired plant in Varna is fully owned by the Czech Electricity Company (CEZ) and has a contract with the state system power operator for maintaining part of its production capacities as a “cold reserve”, part of which was made operational to meet demand this summer. The production forecast of the plant stands at 3TWh for this year, which is slightly above last year’s sales. CEZ Group controls 42% of the electricity distribution and 11% of the electricity producing capacities in the country.