The Government approved a new draft law on energy that is designed to strengthen the independence of the National Agency for Energy Regulation. The new law empowers the Agency to impose fines on energy sector companies, IPN reports.
The document defines the procedure for imposing fines for the identified violations by the Agency and the norms of guaranteeing the right of the energy sector companies to defend themselves and to avoid possible abuses on the part of the regulatory authority.
The new law on energy modifies the procedure for naming the directors of the Agency’s Administration Board. These will be chosen at a public transparent contest organized by Parliament, based on principles of professionalism. The Agency’s budget will be approved by the Administration Board, which will later inform Parliament about the taken decision and will present it to the Audit Office for examination.
According to Minister of Economy Octavian Calmac, the law will increase transparency in the work of the Agency’s employees. The period during which the Ministry of Justice will be able to register the orders and decisions of the Agency was extended from five to ten days.
The new draft law on energy covers the electrical power, natural gas, heat and oil products markets. It is to be debated and adopted by Parliament.
