Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – The Utility Regulation and Competition Office (“Ofreg”) has launched its first public consultation exercise which is open until Monday, 8 May 2017 at 5pm. The purpose of the consultation is to get public input on how OfReg should conduct public consultation exercises in the future, and will help to establish the Consultation Procedure Guidelines for seeking comments prior to issuing administrative decisions of public significance.

“Section 7(1) of the Utility Regulation and Competition Law requires that OfReg allow a reasonable opportunity for persons with sufficient interest, or who are likely to be affected by decisions of the Office, to comment on a draft administrative determination” explained J. Paul Morgan, OfReg CEO. “The Office is mandated to publish the procedures for the giving of feedback and information to OfReg. Therefore, as required by the Law, we are doing a public consultation so we can determine exactly how those guidelines should be framed, and we are enlisting the help of stakeholders who have an interest in the regulatory decisions made by OfReg.”

The consultation paper outlines the objectives of the guidelines, the method of consultations, notice of consultations, the layout of consultation documents, format of responses, duration of consultations, and how decisions will be made by OfReg following a consultation.

“These guidelines will standardise the process by which consultations are conducted

by the Office, and will conform to international best practice. This is part of our efforts to continually improve transparency and consistency with members of the public, licensees and other stakeholders”, said Morgan.

The Consultation Procedure Guidelines document is now on the OfReg website (www.ofreg.ky), and responses must be made in writing to OfReg via email on [email protected] or by mail at P.O. Box 2502, Grand Cayman KY1- 1104. The Office will post any comments received on its website on 19 May 2017.

For more information about OfReg log on to www.ofreg.ky or call 345.946.4282.