Energy Regulatory Authority: Preparing to “tackle” garbage and water

The establishment and operation of a new single regulatory authority, which will control, in addition to the energy market, water, wastewater and waste management (a perspective which was first mentioned about a year ago by the Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Costas Skrekas) seems to remain among government plans. It is no coincidence that a few days ago, the President of the Energy Regulatory Authority (RAE), Mr. Athanasios Dagoumas, was in Berlin to attend a conference on waste and recycling, as he prepares for the new responsibilities to come.

The Recovery Fund

The establishment of independent waste, as well as water and wastewater, management authorities is a milestone of the Recovery Fund in order for the government to receive the fourth and fifth installment of the funds. And the rationale of the political leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy for the creation of a super-supervisory authority for energy, water and garbage under the umbrella of RAE is based on the fact that this will cut corners. This is because RAE, despite its understaffing, is already organized, has building infrastructure and experienced staff, so there will be no need to set up two new separate Authorities.

The water sector

With regard to the critical water sector, the new super-authority will be responsible for implementing the rational water resources management policy designed by the Environment Ministry. It should also strengthen the institutional framework and oversee the sector, including streamlining water pricing policy according to the “polluter pays” principle, while ensuring the sustainability of water services in Greece.

For waste, the Authority will oversee the correctness of the pricing policy, the management of waste throughout the country and the proper functioning of the competent services of the State and the wider public sector. It is noteworthy that Greece pays the Commission several million euros every six months for the management of waste and sewage.

“Super start”

As the Secretary General of Waste Management Coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Mr. Manolis Grafakos had pointed out at the OT Forum “The Changing World”, the six-month fine only for the landfill case reaches 3,600,000 euros per semester as there are still 42 landfills in our country. which are either operating normally or have been shut down but have not been restored. The fine, which is reduced as the number of landfills is reduced, however, remains “disgraceful”.

About a year ago, Mr. Dagoumas spoke positively about the creation of a “super authority”, during a press conference, pointing out that there are similar examples internationally, such as the Italian Regulatory Authority (ARERA), which is responsible for the supervision of the electricity, gas, water management, waste and district heating sectors, but also of Singapore, which has in fact been studied by RAE. There are also super-supervisory authorities for energy, water and the environment in Ireland (Commission for Regulation of Utilities – CRU), in Bulgaria (EWRC), but also in Malta.