News

The Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) is seeking input on its draft administrative determination on its final set of Proposed Consumer Protection Regulations (Fuels sector). OfReg considers that it is in the interest of the public to regulate the terms and conditions under which services and products in relation to the fuels sector are provided by prescribing quality standards. This will ensure those services and products are provided in accordance with the standards reasonably expected of competent Licensees and Permit Holders operating in the Fuels Sector. OfReg launched its public FS 2019 – 1 - Consultation on 30 July 2019 and closed on 13 September 2019. The purpose of the consultation paper was to seek the views of operators, the general public, and other interested parties, regarding the draft Consumer Protection Regulations (Fuels sector). As a result of the consultation, submissions were received from Caribbean Utilities Company, Rubis Cayman Islands Ltd, Sol Petroleum Cayman Ltd and two private individuals. After reviewing the responses from the above entities, OfReg prepared its draft administrative determination and is seeking further input from the public. Section 5(1)(c) of the Fuel Market Regulation Law, 2017 (‘the FMR Law’) provides that one of OfReg’s functions in relation to the fuel sector is to “to promote consumer protection in the fuel sector”. Section 7(1) of the URC Law requires OfReg, before issuing an administrative determination which in the reasonable opinion of the Office is of public significance, “… to allow persons with sufficient interest or who are likely to be affected a reasonable opportunity to comment on the draft administrative determination.” It is OfReg’s position that it retains the right to propose amendments to the Regulations when appropriate but not so frequent so as to render the consumer protection framework arbitrary, but in any event only after consultation. The main objective of the final set of Proposed Consumer Protection Regulations is to outline the protocols and rules which Sectoral Participants should adhere to when interacting with and serving consumers in the Cayman Islands in relation to the fuel sector. The draft administrative determination can be viewed at www.ofreg.ky. All interested persons will have until 22nd September 2020 to submit their views to OfReg via email at consultations@ofreg.ky, mail or courier. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 946-4282 or by emailing our Manager of Consumer Affairs & Public Education, using the consultations email address.