Press release
Energy: the first "G8 of Energy Regulators" is organized in Rome
Within the framework of the "G8 of Energy Ministers", the Authorities of 16 countries and 9 continental associations will meet for the first time in Rome
Rome, May 23, 2009
The first ‘G8 of Energy Regulators' is organized in Rome. On the occasion of the ‘G8 of Energy Ministers ' and at the invitation of the Minister of Economic Development Claudio Scajola, the first meeting of the Energy Regulatory Authorities of all the G8 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, United Kingdom, United States, and Russia) will take place. During the two days of the proceedings, which will also be open to the energy regulators of Brazil, Egypt, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Greece, and to the nine major Energy International Associations, a joint document will be discussed and approved to be presented at the Ministerial Session on Monday, 25 May.
Italian versionThe central focus of the document ("G8 Regulators Energy Statement") is on the possible contribution of Energy Regulatory Authorities for overcoming the world crisis and aiding recovery, also through the harmonization and coordination of the regulatory and control systems, in order to promote infrastructure investments and an appropriate development of competition, for the greatest benefit and protection of consumers.
There are two appointments on the energy regulators' agenda: a meeting at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, during which there will be a discussion of the "G8 Regulators Energy Statement (G8-RES)"; this document will then be approved during the Energy Regulation, Markets and Investments Roundtable, to be held on Sunday 24 May and which will be chaired by the President of the Italian Regulatory Authority, Mr.Alessandro Ortis at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economic Development, in the presence of the Undersecretary Stefano Saglia.
The proceedings of the ‘G8 of Energy Regulators' will also be attended by the representatives of the major international and continental energy associations: the Africa Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR), l'Asociacion de Reguladores Iberoamericanos (ARIAE), the Canadian Association of Members of Public Utility Tribunals (CAMPUT), the Council of European Energy Regulators/European Regulators' Group for Electricity and Gas (CEER/ERGEG), the Energy Regulators Regional Association of Eastern European countries (ERRA), the Association of the Mediterranean Regulators for Electricity and Gas (MEDREG), the U.S. National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the South Asian Forum for Infrastructure Regulation (SAFIR)."The invitation to such a numerous and qualified group of representatives of international level energy Regulators, as formulated by Minister Scajola, is certainly a recognition of the role and contribution that the Energy Authorities can offer," observed Mr. Alessandro Ortis, President of the Energy Regulatory Authority. "The stability, certainty, transparency, and harmonization of the regulatory frameworks are essential for making the energy markets increasingly efficient, for promoting investments, and for contributing to offering consumers, energy systems and services that are increasingly safe, convenient, and respectful of the environment."