Czech energy and telecom regulators to cooperate on consumer protection and network resilience

Cooperation between the Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ) and the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ) should contribute to better consumer protection and the resilience of energy and communications networks. The two authorities will also jointly coordinate customer awareness activities. This is envisaged by a memorandum which ERÚ and ČTÚ announced in a press release.

The memorandum concluded by the authorities defines stronger cooperation in cases where the remits of the two regulatory bodies overlap, or where it is appropriate to share relevant information or hold operational consultations.

"In addition to consumer protection and strengthening the resilience of infrastructure and services, we want to share with our colleagues at ERÚ our experience from analytical and regulatory practice," said Marek Ebert, chairman of the ČTÚ Council.

An important part of the cooperation will include, for example, the deployment of very high-capacity networks and mutual sharing of data and information on GNSS signal interference, which may affect both electronic communications and electricity transmission systems. They will also jointly coordinate the preparation of legislation, the development of methodological materials, and recommendations and guidance. The authorities have also agreed on joint educational and awareness-raising activities.

"We help consumers navigate an increasingly complex environment, be active and avoid potential pitfalls. We offer tools that enable them to obtain better deals. An important part of the cooperation is also strengthening network security. As digitisation progresses, security and reliability go hand in hand. This is also why ČTÚ is involved in our working group investigating last year's widespread power outage," added ERÚ chairman Jan Šefránek.