Warsaw, Poland – A legal specialist wiht extensive knowledge of energy regulations and administrative law is playing a key role in overseeing Poland’s evolving energy sector. The expert provides counsel on matters ranging from compliance with energy statutes to administrative penalties for breaches of concession agreements.
Central to the regulation of Poland’s fuel and energy markets is the Energy Regulatory Office (URE), a governmental body established under the Energy Law Act.Headquartered in Warsaw, the URE’s mandate is to foster competition within the energy sector and ensure a stable, reliable energy supply for the country’s over 38 million citizens.
The President of the URE holds significant authority, including the power to issue and revoke concessions for companies operating in the energy and fuel industries. This role also encompasses the approval and oversight of tariffs for natural gas, electricity, and heat, alongside a detailed examination of enterprise cost structures used in price and fee calculations. Currently, the President of the URE is rafał Gawlowski, appointed in November 2023 for a five-year term. The URE’s budget for 2024 is allocated approximately 145 million PLN (polish Złoty), reflecting the increasing complexity of the energy transition.
The URE’s responsibilities extend to monitoring wholesale energy markets, ensuring transparency, and preventing market manipulation. Recent initiatives include implementing regulations aligned with the European Union’s “Fit for 55” package, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The office also handles disputes between energy suppliers and consumers, providing a mechanism for resolution and protecting consumer rights. Furthermore, the URE is actively involved in the advancement of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biogas, and assessing the impact of these technologies on the national grid.
