Energy Law.

This Law defines the basic principles for the implementation of energy policy and strategy, the competencies of the Government in the Energy Sector and the duties and responsibilities of the Energy Regulatory body. It regulates the following Energy Sector activities: (a) generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity in the market and/or as a Public Service; (b) organization and functioning of the electricity market; (c) production and the market of coal for the needs of electricity generation; (d) transportation, distribution, storage, wholesale and retail trade and supply of petroleum products and gas. This Law does not apply to coal exploitation, gas or oil exploration, the development and production of crude oil or gas refining. The Law consists of 14 Chapters divided into 45 articles dealing with the following matters: general provisions (Chapt. 1, arts. 1 and 2); competencies (Chapt. 2, arts. 3 and 4); energy balance (Chapt. 3, art. 5); energy regulatory agency (Chapt. 4, arts. 6-20); competition and unbundling (Chapt. 5, arts. 21 and 22); inspection and supervision (Chapt. 6, art. 23); electricity market (Chapt. 7, arts. 24-32); petroleum and gas (Chapt. 8, art. 33); coal (Chapt. 9, arts. 34 and 35); security of supply (Chapt. 10, arts. 36 and 37); supply (Chapt. 10, arts. 38-40); penalties (Chapt. 12, arts. 41 and 42); transitional provisions (Chapt. 13, arts. 43 - 45). The Law aims at ensuring a safe, secure, reliable quantity and quality supply of Energy taking into account: (a) efficient and economic use of natural resources that meets the needs of the country; (b) environmental protection; (c) the efficient use of energy. The following activities shall be licensed: (a) generation of electricity; (b) transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; (c) commercial transportation, storage, distribution, sale or supply of gas, petroleum or petroleum products. Simplified procedures of issuing licences shall be envisaged for generators of electricity from renewable energy sources.