Energy Issues and Regulatory Developments

In Europe and Eurasia

NARUC Winter MeetingInternational Committee

February 17, 2008

Robert A. ArcherEnergy & InfrastructureBureau for Europe and EurasiaUSAID

ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS

Energy Security: Trends and Regulatory ImplicationsRegulatory Developments

National and Regional TransparencyNetworking: Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) & Regulatory Partnerships

ENERGY SECURITYENERGY SECURITY

Background

Energy Community (of Southeast Europe)Natural Gas/Oil import dependencyRising energy prices: oil, gas, electricity, heatPolitical Implications of energy dependency

ENERGY SECURITY (cont’d)

USAID Energy Security Initiative Activity is designed to improve energy security to enhance stability, improve governance and reduce poverty.Areas of Activity include regional cooperation in:

electricity sector reform and regional integration heat sector and energy efficiencynatural gas and renewable energy

ENERGY SECURITY (cont’d)

Objective #1: Diversify energy imports and reduce import dependence in countries in Southeast Europe and the Black Sea region

increase indigenous energy productionimprove efficiency of energy use including residential energy efficiencydiversify natural gas import sources mobilize investment for all of aboveIntegrate supply and demand planning

ENERGY SECURITY (cont’d)

Objective #2: Develop and harmonize the regulatory framework for the Energy Community (of Southeast Europe) regional gas market, supply diversification and investment.

Strengthen the regulatory capacity of the national and regional regulatory bodies in gas;Examine LNG role in diversification

ENERGY SECURITY (cont’d)Objective #3: Competitive and transparent Energy

Community regional electricity market integrated with Western Europe and expanded to Black Sea countries.

Develop national regulatory capacity and Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB)Support development of a Coordinated Auction Office for Transmission Capacity and regional Balancing/Spot Market.Establish a formal market monitoring system Support low income energy assistance and social protection

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

National Regulatory Issues and Development

Rising prices and regulatory responseDemand growth and lag in generation InvestmentHigh and uneven electricity import pricesDemand Response?Data transparency and availabilityU.S. Regulatory Partnerships

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

Regional Issues Role of a regional regulatorRegional electricity market monitoringRegional Networking: Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA)

Exchange of Information and Experience; TrainingAnnual Conference; Technical Committees; Working Groups; Issue PapersSupport to the dedicated, under-funded, unpopular