Industrial power price support could cost Germany 4.5 billion euros, Handelsblatt reports

FRANKFURT, Nov 3 (Reuters) - German government support to ease industrial power prices could cost the state 4.5 billion euros ($5.25 billion) over three years, newspaper Handelsblatt reported on Monday, citing estimates by a state-backed advisory body.

An alliance of think tanks led by German energy advisory body DENA has recommended for the state to lower electricity prices for industry to 5 euro cents per kilowatt hour, leading to total state expenses of 4.5 billion euros, according to a document seen by Handelsblatt.

($1 = 0.8575 euros)