WRITTEN QUESTION E-1782/00

by Eryl McNally (PSE) to the Commission

(8 June 2000)

Subject: Council of European Energy Regulators

The Council of European Energy Regulators was recently created. It is their role to meet for the sharing of information and views, and they contribute to the proper development of the European electricity and gas sectors.

It is important, however, that they also make a contribution to discussions on:

- price discrimination

- electronic red-lining

- energy efficiency, energy savings

- development of renewable energy sources

- quality of services

- transnational corporations and concentration of market power

- public service obligations.

All these issues have an impact on individuals, as residential consumers, and on employment.

Does the Commission agree that the Council of European Energy Regulators should begin discussions with trade unions, environmental, consumer and other civil-society organisations in order to develop open and democratic mechanisms that allow the Council to benefit from the views and experience of these organisations?

Does it believe that a similar dialogue should be held in the regulatory bodies at national level?

Does it support the creation of an advisory board to the Council which would include representatives of these organisations?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(11 July 2000)

1. The Council of European energy regulators (CEER) has been created to provide an adequate framework for the work of the national regulators which touch on subjects which are of interest to the internal market and more in particular to promote the development of efficient electricity and gas markets in Europe. Information exchange and assistance among its members is one of its main tasks. The CEER is open to information from all parties, which would mainly mean European groupings of organisations to which the Honourable Member refers, but also industry and others interested in the internal electricity and gas markets.

Even though the work of the regulators centres mainly around tariff setting and licensing, the subject of quality of service has already been taken up by the regulators and the Commission. The Commission, based on information from the regulators and other relevant parties, will issue a communication on public service levels in the electricity and gas, and also the transport sector.

The other subjects mentioned by the Honourable Member in the introduction to the questions are part of the work of the regulators, insofar as the subjects fall under their competence.

2. The regulatory bodies at national level regularly organise consultation rounds on subjects they regulate. All interested organisations can bring their opinions forward in the framework of such consultation procedures and it is important that the views of all interested parties are heard.

3. Whilst the Commission believes strongly that, in order to carry out its responsibilities effectively, it must ensure a wide consultation of interested parties on issues within its competence, it is, however, for the CEER to decide how to undertake this consultation in the most effective and appropriate manner.