BRATISLAVA, May 25, (WEBNOVINY) — The energy regulation policy for the next five-year period is approved. Spokeswoman of the Economy Ministry Daniela Pirselova specified that the ministry approved the draft regulation with some comments. According to spokesman of the draft’s author, the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO), Miroslav Luptak, the regulator is currently working on decrees that will define regulation policy of energy prices in individual network industries in detail.
The Economy Ministry asked the regulatory office to present aims and priorities of the regulation policy for the next period in greater detail, so that their fulfillment can be evaluated, Pirselova added.
In the next period starting in January 2012, the regulator will impose price-caps on energy prices, based on positive experience. The regulator wants to secure stability of the market environment of the regulated entities, as well as stability of energy prices.
Price regulation in segments where several suppliers conduct business could soon be terminated. The regulator admitted that it would prepare to end energy price regulation in the category of households during the next regulatory period. URSO head Jozef Holjencik stated that the new regulation policy counts on a gradual deregulation in prices of electricity and natural gas for households, as soon as primary legislation is prepared.
In the electricity segment, the wholesale price will be set based on the market development. In the natural gas section, the prices should be set based on long-term concluded contracts as well as gas prices on spot markets. In the heating segment, the office will carry out a complete regulation of heating prices, including its production and distribution. The regulator counts on regulation of natural gas prices for heat production of households.
SITA