Electricity Authority (Israel)

The Israel Public Utility Authority for Electricity is a government authority charged with providing utility services, setting tariffs, regulation, and oversight of the electricity market in Israel. Established in 1996, the Authority came into existence concurrently with the expiration of the 70-year-old concession of the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), and pursuant to the Electricity Market Law of 1996. Its formation marked a significant shift in the regulation and oversight of electricity provision in Israel, transitioning from a system where the Electric Corporation itself managed various regulatory roles to an independent regulatory body.

The Authority's primary responsibilities include the regulation and oversight of public utilities in the electricity sector, ensuring a balance of interests between consumers, the Electric Corporation, private electricity manufacturers, and the state. It plays a crucial role in setting electricity tariffs, promoting renewable energy, and encouraging private power production. The Electricity Authority operates under the guidelines established by the Electricity Market Law, which defines its powers, tasks, composition, and manner of operation.

In addition to setting tariffs, the Authority is responsible for establishing standards for the quality and nature of services provided by various entities in the electricity market, overseeing cost monitoring for the Electric Corporation, and issuing licenses to operate within the market. The Authority also sets economic arrangements for license holders and private entrepreneurs, promoting competition and streamlining consumption in the electricity market.