Utility firms struggle to fend off Emir clearing

Europe’s largest utilities are concerned at the prospect of having to clear all their over-the-counter derivatives trades under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (Emir). But although there are options for avoiding clearing under Emir, whether they will work in practice is uncertain. By Stella Farrington

Coal-fired power station in the UK

Europe's renewable energy targets and economic woes have made life extremely tough for utilities during the past few years. But utility executives say they now face a stark and equally alarming threat from European Union financial legislation – the most imminent piece of which is the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (Emir).

Drawn up in the wake of the financial crisis, Emir aims to