Empowering Regulators for Accelerated Decarbonisation
Mission
This CEM Campaign will strengthen the interface between policymakers and energy regulators to align regulatory actions with national decarbonization goals, accelerate solutions for the clean energy transition, and provide a repository of best practices for effective policy implementation.
Overview
Energy regulators sit at the center of the clean energy transition — but many lack the tools and authority to fully deliver it.
Research conducted through the Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator (RETA), a global platform of more than 60 energy regulators launched at COP26, shows a clear gap between ambition and mandate. While only two regulators surveyed have an explicit mandate to consider decarbonisation, many are finding innovative ways to advance the energy transition within existing constraints. However, their ability to act is often limited by narrow mandates, insufficient resources, or unclear policy signals.
The CEM Empowering Regulators for Accelerated Decarbonisation (ERAD) campaign responds to this challenge. The ERAD campaign supports stronger alignment between policymakers and energy regulators so that regulatory frameworks can better reflect national energy transition goals. It also helps expand what is possible within regulatory decision-making.
Empowered, well-resourced regulators are essential to delivering a clean, reliable, and affordable energy system. The CEM ERAD campaign aims to accelerate that shift by turning best practices into action and strengthening the policy-regulatory interface that underpins successful energy transitions.
In 2026, the CEM ERAD campaign will offer dedicated technical assistance to countries interested in strengthening and empowering their energy regulators. We welcome conversations with governments, regulators, and partners eager to explore this opportunity. To learn more or start a discussion, reach out to secretariat@cemsecretariat.org.
Community
Co-leads
Resources
Timeline
CEM16 Regulatory Forum, August 2025
At CEM16, the ERAD campaign, Regulatory Assistance Project and Regulatory Energy Transition Accelerator brought the voice of regulators directly into the global clean energy conversation. During the CEM16 Regulatory Forum, regulators from Australia, Malaysia and Thailand shared how they balance policy, industry, and consumer needs; take calculated risks; and drive resilient, equitable, long-term transitions — even when there’s no precedent to follow. The forum underscored that policy ambition alone is not enough. It must be paired with empowered, well-resourced regulators to translate those goals into reality.
A new briefing outlines practical pathways to strengthen regulatory institutions and align decisions with national climate and clean energy objectives.
Power System Transformation in Southeast Asia Workshop, June 2025
The Campaign convened regional and national stakeholders to explore how regulators can play a more effective role in advancing decarbonisation across Southeast Asia. Panelists from the ASEAN energy commissions and member states underscored the critical importance of involving regulators early in the policy process, highlighting persistent misalignments between decarbonisation objectives set by ministries and the mandates given to regulators. Speakers also emphasized that regional integration efforts must respect the distinct priorities of individual countries, advancing coordinated progress through parallel and concurrent pathways rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Official launch of the CEM Campaign at COP29 – November 15, 2024
The CEM Campaign officially launched at COP29 during an event at the Canadian Pavilion in Baku, bringing together representatives from the co-lead countries, co-operating agents, and energy regulators. The launch marked a shared commitment to strengthening the role of regulators in accelerating decarbonisation. For more information see the event page.
Empowering Energy Regulators to Tackle Decarbonisation at CEM15, October 2024
At a high-level side event during CEM15, the vision for this Campaign came into sharper focus. Energy regulators from Kenya, Great Britain, and Chile shared firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of advancing decarbonisation within existing regulatory frameworks—bringing the conversation directly to policymakers. The session created a dynamic exchange: campaign partners outlined their plans, tested ideas in real time, and gathered valuable feedback to help shape the Campaign.
RETA Roundtable & Steering Committee Meeting, March 2024
Following a flagship report by RAP for RETA, evidence emerged that regulators worldwide are constrained by limited mandates. In response, the RETA Steering Committee sought to elevate this message, sparking a collaboration with the CEM and the CEM 21st Century Power Partnership (21CPP).