Competition watchdog carries out dawn raids as part of investigation into solar panel bid-rigging

Gardaí and Competition and Consumer Protection Commission officials raid homes and business premises in Ireland

Renewable energy - solar panels on a private house

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has carried out dawn raids of homes and business premises in Ireland as part of an investigation into suspected bid-rigging in the industry.

CCPC officers were supported by gardaí in carrying out unannounced searches for information and evidence in the investigation. CCPC member Úna Butler said the investigation is ongoing. Bid-rigging is a form of cartel conduct where businesses agree in advance how they will respond to a tender process, rather than competing independently. Such conduct may include agreeing who will win a contract, submitting cover bids, taking turns winning contracts or agreeing not to bid.

"While searches do not imply that any breach of competition law has occurred, the CCPC remains committed to fully investigating suspected bid-rigging to protect fair competition and consumers," said Ms Butler. 

“Effective competition is essential to supporting a strong, resilient and growing Irish economy. When businesses compete fairly, it drives innovation, supports economic growth and helps ensure that businesses, public bodies and consumers get the best possible value for money."

The CCPC called for businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help the investigation to come forward. The CCPC has an anonymous information sharing website for whistleblowers and also operates a Cartel Immunity Programme, in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and an Administrative Leniency programme. Individuals may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully cooperate with a CCPC investigation. "Information can be shared in confidence with the cartels team by calling our Immunity and Leniency phoneline on 087 763 1378," the CCPC said. 

As part of the Government's Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity the CCPC will be provided with further powers to screen public procurement data for signs of potential bid-rigging. Screening involves analysing procurement and tender data to identify suspicious tenders, unusual bidding patterns or other indicators of potential collusion.

The CCPC said it continues to work with European colleagues on exploring the possibility of creating shared tools to help identify potential bid-rigging. "These tools, along with the introduction of legislation to allow the CCPC to screen public procurement data for instances of potential collusion and possible bid-rigging, should contribute greatly towards the fight against harmful bid-rigging cartels."