A legislative revision set to be submitted to parliament by the energy ministry will enable the implementation of a new regulatory framework for DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, as of January 1, 2021, as planned by a revised schedule.

The operator’s new framework, including two four-year periods covering 2021 to 2024 and 2025 to 2028, was initially scheduled to be approved by June 30 but this date was missed as a result of the pandemic’s impact and a leadership change at RAE, the Regulatory Authority for Energy.

Besides being crucial for the market’s operation, the new regulatory framework is a prerequisite for the announcement of the operator’s privatization, to offer prospective buyers a 49 percent stake.

The operator’s WACC rate is expected to be announced in the lead up, either this month or next, if no further delays hamper the overall procedure.