Tbilisi will host the ninth World Forum on Energy Regulation from 21 to 24 September 2026, bringing international regulators, energy-sector leaders, academics and policy experts to Georgia.
The Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission will organise the event at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace.
The World Forum on Energy Regulation, known as WFER, takes place every three years under the International Confederation of Energy Regulators. Previous editions have been held in countries including the United States, Italy, Greece, Canada, Türkiye, Mexico and Peru.
Regulation during the energy transition
The four-day programme will examine how regulation must respond to changes in energy technology, infrastructure and markets.
Sessions will cover energy-transition investment, electricity-grid development, network tariffs, competitive energy markets and regulatory incentives for new infrastructure.
The programme also includes discussions on energy storage, grid flexibility, decentralised generation and the role of green hydrogen. Other sessions will address cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and the resilience of energy infrastructure.
Consumer protection will form another major part of the forum. Participants will discuss energy affordability, consumer empowerment and the role of regulation in balancing the interests of energy companies and customers.
International training programme
A dedicated training day will take place on 21 September before the main conference sessions.
The Florence School of Regulation will deliver the programme in cooperation with the Council of European Energy Regulators and the US-based National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Training topics will include regulatory independence, market transparency, infrastructure investment, system flexibility, regional market integration and regulatory approaches to smart electric-vehicle charging.
For Georgia, hosting WFER IX creates an opportunity to bring international regulatory discussions closer to the country’s own energy-sector development.
Georgia is working to add new renewable generation, strengthen its electricity network and expand regional energy connections. The forum will provide a platform to examine how regulation can support these developments while maintaining system reliability and protecting consumers.
This article is based on information published by GNERC, the World Forum on Energy Regulation and the Council of European Energy Regulators.