Tag: Utility Regulation and Competition Office
Public purse to pick up tab for fibre network
(CNS): Public cash will be used to roll out the missing fibre network across the Cayman Islands after the cable companies operating on island failed to meet their obligations. Premier Alden McLaughlin told the Legislative Assembly that government would fund the much-needed network and claw back the money from the various communication companies that will […]
OfReg and HMCI to create emergency notification system
(CNS): The government’s utilities regulator, OfReg, and Hazard Management Cayman Islands have joined forces to create an emergency notification system (ENS) to ensure widespread communication in the face of a man-made or natural disaster. Following the fuel depot fire at Jackson Point Terminal last July and a tsunami warning in January, the need for a more comprehensive and […]
Cayman regulator supports net neutrality
(CNS): In contrast to the telecoms regulator in the United States, OfReg, the Cayman Islands’ regulator, continues to support net neutrality, which ensures that all internet traffic is treated equally by the internet service providers (ISPs). Last week, in a hugely unpopular move, the US Federal Communications Commission repealed net neutrality rules, which will allow […]
No plans to move fuel depot following fire
(CNS): The planning minister has confirmed that the government has no immediate plans to move the fuel tank storage facility at Jackson Point in South Sound, George Town, despite heightened concerns following what could have been a catastrophic fire in one of the tanks last month. Joey Hew told the Legislative Assembly during the recent […]
Council aims to ensure inclusion of disabled
(CNS): Volunteers on the National Council for Persons with Disabilities have begun working on the goal of ensuring that disabled people can participate fully in society and enforcing the provisions of the Solomon Webster Disability Law, 2016. Magda Embury, the chairperson, explained that the primary objective was “to ensure that people with disabilities in the […]
Regulator seeks input on handling powerful utilities
(CNS Business): The newly formed Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) has launched a public consultation to seek input on how it will manage and deal with monopolies in the utility sector. Officials said they want people to comment on what criteria and items of evidence should be used in defining relevant markets and assessing […]
Fuel bill aims to improve consumer confidence
(CNS): The minister of planning, who has responsibility for the fuel sector, has said that legislation passed in the Legislative Assembly last month to regulate the industry is about improving consumer confidence that the price of gas is competitive and fair. “We cannot afford to be captured or appear to be captured by the industry […]
New rules in effect to govern fuel sector
(CNS): With the publication of the amendments, regulations and official commencement order for the new law dealing with the local fuel sector, the Utility Regulation and Competition Office has said it will soon begin issuing permits. The implementation of the Dangerous Substances Law is intended to not only improve safety and fuel quality but to […]
OfReg opens for complaints at GT office
(CNS): The new Utility Regulation and Competition Office, now known as OfReg, is up and running. The Ministry of Planning, Lands and Agriculture announced Friday that the doors were open at the new overarching regulator, which is designed to protect consumers and promote competition. People can now raise concerns or file complaints with the new regulator […]
TV regulator rejects blame over commercial failings
(CNS Business): Following the news that Cayman 27 is dropping its costly ‘Daybreak’ local morning magazine TV show, the TV arm of the new regulator OfReg has stated that this issue is entirely commercial and not a regulatory matter. “The failure of cable providers to come to an agreement with Hurley’s Media Ltd for distribution […]
Tibbetts begins process to create utilities regulator
(CNS): The minister responsible for planning and public works began the process of dealing with a bundle of legislation that will pave the way for the much-anticipated utilities commission that the government hopes will not only act as the umbrella regulator for the technology, power, fuel and water sectors but also a watchdog for consumer protection. […]
