International energy regulator launched

The creation of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER), a group of 12 regional energy regulatory associations, was announced by John Mogg, president of the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER), at the fourth World Forum of Energy Regulation in Athens on October 19.

The Confederation will develop a voluntary framework for co-operation between energy regulators around the globe.

International and EU-wide co-operation looks set to be a theme for the conference, with Andris Piebalgs, European Union Commissioner for Energy, saying the industry faces global challenges. "The energy sector is still characterised by national traditions and still has a national focus, which is no longer appropriate within Europe," he said.

The ICER will establish four working groups to undertake analysis in four key areas: reliability and security of supply; the role of regulators in responding to climate change; competitiveness and affordability; and the independence, powers, responsibilities and best practices of regulators.

The ICER will represent more than 200 regulatory authorities and be chaired by Mogg.