The early years of the energy regulator in Italy

Abstract

As president of a newly created regulatory authority for energy in Italy from 1996 to 2003, I lived through a radical transformation of the industry of electricity and gas, and also of the Italian institutions dealing with the governance of the economy. It was a complex task, based on a clear legal basis and support from the industry and from the public, and yet facing resistance from cultural inertia and organised interests. The same transformation was under way in all Europe, and strong European links were greatly useful.