Regulatory backlogs delay opening of energy exchange

Regulatory backlogs have delayed the opening of the Energy Exchange (EE), originally scheduled for July 1. The Economy Ministry and the Energy Regulation Office (URE) have not yet issued the necessary executive legislation. The exchange's computer clearing-system is also not yet ready. However, vice-president Marek Zerka of energy-transmission company Polskie Sieci Energetyczne (PSE) says the most important obstacle to the launch would be a lack of demand, and most energy-distribution companies already have deals in place for all the energy they need in July, so the exchange cannot start before August 1. Vice-president of the exchange Jacek Brandt does not agree: "The talks we've had with distribution companies suggest they still have demand for minor reserves, which they could satisfy through the exchange." (Puls Biznesu, page 8) T.J.