RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy, faces the danger of being left understaffed, despite growing work demands, as a result of the government’s decision for snap elections, expected to take place on July 7.

Prior to this announcement, made by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Sunday night after his ruling Syriza party’s poor showing in the European elections, energy minister Giorgos Stathakis had prepared a legislative amendment intended to offer a six-month extension to work contracts of approximately 55 scientists employed at RAE. Their current contracts are set to expire on June 30.

However, the work extension plan’s ratification is now not possible as a result of the resulting pre-election period.

A RES auction offering investors wind and solar energy capacities, scheduled for July 1, is among the many tasks that need to be handled by RAE in the immediate future.

The job insecurity felt within the ranks at RAE has prompted a number of employees to resign for posts in the private sector.