EU okays 170 mln euro aid for Polish power grids

BRUSSELS, July 16 (Reuters) - Poland won European Union regulatory approval on Thursday for its plan to provide up to 170 million euros ($240 million) in direct grants for operators of two electricity network projects.

The first scheme aims to modernise electricity distribution networks in Poland. In the second project, networks will be built in areas suitable for the production of renewable electricity, which will be connected to existing grids.

"The Polish measures strengthen the climate change and energy policies of the EU, without unduly distorting competition," Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement. The projects will be financed with the participation of European structural funds, the EU executive said.

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