Muscat – The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has issued two new regulations to ensure the sustainability and reliability of electricity, water and sanitation services while enhancing sectoral preparedness to deal with natural disasters, cyber threats and operational disruptions.

The first regulation covers risk management and business continuity in the electricity and water sectors, while the second focuses on the sewerage sector. The move is intended to enhance the ability of licensed operators to address potential risks and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of electricity, water and sanitation services of high quality and efficiency under various circumstances, including emergencies, natural disasters, operational disruptions and cyberattacks.

Under the new framework, licensees are required to establish an integrated risk management and business continuity system within six months of the regulations coming into force. Companies must develop comprehensive risk management plans, regularly test and update them, and submit annual reports that include risk assessments, exercise results and improvement measures.

The regulations also emphasise stronger governance and compliance by requiring licensees to allocate the necessary technical and administrative resources and to fully cooperate with audits conducted by the authority.

Administrative fines of up to RO500,000 may be imposed for violations, with penalties increasing in cases of repeated non-compliance.

APSR said the regulations aim to strengthen transparency and accountability through periodic reporting and continuous oversight, while encouraging companies to adopt global best practices in risk management and business continuity.