|
|
| Jan. 2002, Tirana: Commissioner McCarty & Commissioner Cuci |
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners would like to announce officially the conclusion of the ERE/Albania - IURC/Indiana Regulatory Partnership Program. At the same time, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Tirana for long-term cooperation and generous funding of this project.
Within the framework of the NARUC Regulatory Partnership Program, which is designed as a vehicle for exchange of information and improving market-based regulatory practices, the Energy Regulatory Entity of Albania (previously known as the Electricity Regulatory Authority) and the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC) commenced an energy regulatory partnership with an introductory activity and signing of a memorandum of understanding in July 2002 in Tirana.
During the first exchange in Albania, the Indiana Commission representatives, the ERO partners, and the NARUC delegation discussed the broad fundamentals and practices of energy regulation, their respective structures, relations with the government and legislatures, and a co-operative work plan was prepared for subsequent exchanges which have initiated active communication between both agencies.
Nine more exchanges followed in the course of seven years (2002-2008) as this partnership became NARUC's longest bilateral regulatory program to date. During their meetings, both agencies explored topics such as tariff design and rate setting; customer protections and low-income programs; licensing and monitoring; regulatory capacities; practices to improve losses, and others. The Albanian regulator has initiated public hearings on price and quality of supply issues and implemented a more streamlined decision-making process. Additionally, Albania restructured its regulatory agency based on institutional discussions with their Indiana partners. The partnership also allowed select ERE staff to participate in an internship program at the Indiana Commission to develop specific technical skills in their areas of expertise (consumer protections and services).
Several USAID officials in Albania have seen the bilateral program evolve into many sustainable professional linkages and personal friendships.
|
|
| Jan. 2002, Tirana: IURC, USAID & ERE Representatives |
For more information about this partnership, please contact:
Martina Schwartz
Manager, International Programs
tel: 202-898-2448
fax: 202-384-1555
email: mschwartz@naruc.org
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
http://www.naruc.org
|
Recent News
Albania
In June 2008, the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Albania became the Albanian Energy Regulatory Entity and assumed the mandate of regulating the natural gas sector, in addition to electricity.
Albania
On February 5, 2009, the Albanian Parliament approved re-appointment of Chairman Bujar Nepravishta for the second term as the Chairman of the Albanian Energy Regulatory Entity. The Parliament also appointed Mr. Shkelqim Bozgo, oil and natural gas engineer, as the new Commissioner. Mr. Bozgo will be involved in developing the regulatory framework for natural gas sector.
Activities
First (Introductory) Partnership Activity
(July 6 - 11, 2002) Second Partnership Activity
(January 11 - 18, 2003) Third Partnership Activity
(May 31 - June 6, 2003) Fourth Partnership Activity
(July 26 - 30, 2004) Fifth Partnership Activity
(November 22 - 26, 2004) Sixth Partnership Activity
(June 13 - 17, 2005) Seventh Partnership Activity
(October 17 - 21, 2005) Eighth Partnership Activity
(April 17 - 21, 2006) Ninth Partnership Activity
(October 5 - 6, 2006) Tenth Partnership Activity
(September 17 - 21, 2007) US Study Tour on Technical Regulatory and Energy Policy Issues
(May 12 -16, 2008)
|
|
