Energy Transparency Index 2021 (II international edition)
The Energy Transparency Index has been developed as a universal tool to assess information availability in the energy sector, diagnose gaps, make in-depth analysis, international comparisons and rankings, and track progress.
The Index’s ultimate beneficiaries are consumers, as their awareness improves the possibility of protecting their rights and helps rationalize economic behavior in the market. More transparent and competitive energy markets promote the improvement of services for consumers and fair pricing. The Index will be helpful to companies and potential investors seeking an open, competitive environment, a better relationship with the government and local communities, and reducing business risks. The Index will also support public authorities responsible for information disclosure, indicating particular gaps and helping to improve their transparency and respective regulations. Foreign partners will get a deeper understanding of countries’ energy policies and markets.
This international
The 2021 Index includes 117 indicators grouped into eight categories and based on the EU regulatory requirements and best global practices regarding information disclosure. Compared to the 2020 Index, this study was extended by two new indicators stemming from the EU Clean Energy Package (CEP). Given the CEP legislation became applicable for the Energy Community Contracting Parties on November 30, 2021, the next Index edition will be adjusted following the CEP transparency requirements to the extent possible. The developments under the European Green Deal would also be duly reflected.
The assessment is based on the analysis of open sources, focusing on the energy sector performance along the value chain, i.e., from production to consumption. The study covers electricity and gas markets and cross-sectoral issues.
Transparency analysis by categories is divided into sectoral and cross-sectoral parts. The sectoral part covers the assessment of four categories – “Balances”, “Natural monopolies”, “Supply”, “Reliability and security” made by two energy markets. The cross-sectoral part encompasses “Reporting”, “Policy”, and “Public authorities” as categories related to the whole energy sector. The “Consumption” category is split into both sectoral and cross-sectoral parts.
The level of transparency varies significantly across the categories and sub-categories, indicating the gaps and shortcomings where national governments should make particular efforts to promote reforms and improve information and data disclosure. The best results countries have demonstrated in the “Balances” and “Natural monopolies” categories.
Transparency strongly depends on the progress towards liberalization of energy markets and maturity of legislation and regulation.
Information gaps and drawbacks in data disclosure discovered by the assessment provided the basis for targeted recommendations for public authorities and energy companies mentioned at the end of each country-specific Index section.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of “Strengthening transparency of the energy sector in the Black Sea region” project.
The project is implemented by DiXi Group (Ukraine) in cooperation with Watchog.MD (Moldova), World Experience for Georgia (Georgia), Expert Forum (Romania).
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Dixi Group and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Black Sea Trust or its partners.
