Reference for a preliminary ruling from the Bundesgerichtshof (Germany) lodged on 8 July 2011 — Alexandra Schulz v Technische Werke Schussental GmbH und Co.KG

(Case C-359/11)

2011/C 311/26

Language of the case: German

Referring court

Bundesgerichtshof

Parties to the main proceedings

Applicant: Alexandra Schulz

Defendant: Technische Werke Schussental GmbH und Co.KG

Question referred

Is Article 3(3) of, in conjunction with point (b) and/or (c) of Annex A to, Directive 2003/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and repealing Directive 98/30/EC (1) to be interpreted as meaning that a provision of national law on price variations in natural gas delivery contracts with domestic customers, who are supplied gas within the framework of the general duty to supply (standard-rate customers), satisfies the transparency requirements if, in that provision, the grounds, preconditions and scope of the price variation are not stipulated but customers are assured that gas suppliers will give them sufficient advance notice of any price increases and they have the right to terminate the contract if they are unwilling to accept the amended contractual terms and conditions as communicated?

(1)  OJ 1998 L 176, p. 57.