Distribution of competencies for energy between State and Regions

The legislative decree 112/98 sets out that the "state is responsible for the elaboration and definition of energy objectives and guidelines and for action to address and co-ordinate energy planning at the regional level." The region is charged with the responsibility of drawing specific regional energy plans including renewables potential. Decree 96/99 specifies how the transfer of competencies is to be accomplished. An amendment to Article 117 of the Constitution, introduced by constitutional law 03/2001, made the production, transport and national distribution of energy part of the "concurrent list of legislation". Concurrent legislation means that the central government sets the policies, the main guidelines and the general objectives by law, while the regions determine specific laws and rules to achieve the said objectives. Law 239/04 more precisely defines the responsibilities of the State and the regions in the energy sector.