1 Public Outreach October 2008 By Adelina Murtezaj – Public Relation Officer For Inaugural Partnership Activity between ICC and ERO

2 According to the Law on Energy Regulator sessions of the Board are normally open to the public and ERO can decide that a session or a debate on a particular item on the agenda can be closed According to the Law on Energy Regulator sessions of the Board are normally open to the public and ERO can decide that a session or a debate on a particular item on the agenda can be closed In the Statute of ERO, Article it is specified that The Board ensures the publication of work through open sessions of the Board, cooperation with public media, publishing the annual reports and organizing press conferences. In the Statute of ERO, Article it is specified that The Board ensures the publication of work through open sessions of the Board, cooperation with public media, publishing the annual reports and organizing press conferences. ERO has assured the confidentiality of information with the Rule on Confidentiality of Information, and transparency with the Statute of ERO ERO has assured the confidentiality of information with the Rule on Confidentiality of Information, and transparency with the Statute of ERO To be develop Rule on Transparency and Rule on Public Participation To be develop Rule on Transparency and Rule on Public Participation Public Outreach

3 Types of Public meetings Public Hearings Public Sessions Workshops

4 Typical Notification Methods Paid advertisements in daily newspapers Provision of press releases to media Distribution to community agencies and organizations Posting on web sites Notification by , phone, fax or mail to identified lists When it is a discussion on a draft rule, the draft is sent by to stakeholders usually 2 weeks ahead.

5 Participants’ Registry Registry of individuals and organizations who take positive action to request notifications Method, content and extent of notification varies according to situation and expressed desires of those on the registry

6 Conduct of a Public Meeting Overall Goals of ERO on Public Meetings Openness Fairness Consistency Efficiency Progress toward decision For Public Access to information and opportunity to question and comment

7 Public Hearings For information only, no decision is being made Topics Discussion on draft rules Discussion on draft rules Tariff review or other topic determined by Board Tariff review or other topic determined by Board Strategic objectives Gather information Gather information Inform the public Inform the public Audience differs depending on nature and content of meeting Follow-up Any materials to those who have requested it Any materials to those who have requested it Incorporation of the received comments Incorporation of the received comments Publicity or comment regarding hearing Publicity or comment regarding hearing Record of proceedings, including circulation to those in consultation process Record of proceedings, including circulation to those in consultation process

8 Decision Meeting Process Establish Agenda and circulate to Board members 5 days in advance Notification Published on the web page 4 days in advance ed to all interested parts Professional staff presentation of issue and recommendation if appropriate Professional staff presentation of issue and recommendation if appropriate Questions and comments from Board Questions and comments from Board Comments from public on the agenda item Comments from public on the agenda item Question and comments from Board Question and comments from Board Board debate Board debate Board decision Board decision Period for public comment on any issue at end of agenda Period for public comment on any issue at end of agenda Record of Meeting Minutes Minutes Publicity and publication Publicity and publication Written decision published on the web page Written decision published on the web page

9 Roles of Staff and Board Administrative and Public Relations Notification Notification Response to Questions Response to Questions Printing and circulation of documents Printing and circulation of documents Maintain archives Maintain archives Professional Staff Prepare presentation as assigned for Board, including recommendations Prepare presentation as assigned for Board, including recommendations Compile summary and background documents, including alternatives considered Compile summary and background documents, including alternatives considered Submit to Board in prior to meeting if possible Submit to Board in prior to meeting if possible Board Provide instructions on staff responsibilities related to meetings Provide instructions on staff responsibilities related to meetings Review documents and materials before meeting Review documents and materials before meeting Participate fully in discussions and deliberations Participate fully in discussions and deliberations Take decision Take decision

10 Regulation and Media in Kosovo The concept of Energy Regulation is new in Kosovo. June 2004 ERO was established The first independent daily newspaper was published on 1997 Independent Radio & TV started their operation after the war, 1999.

11 Media in Kosovo By the end of 2003, there were more than 110 electronic media outlets. There are 89 radio stations 23 TV stations 9 newspapers 3 News Agencies Although the market is small around (2 million in a territory of approximately 11,000 km² ).

12 Open to questions Thank you for your attention