Consultative meeting and discussion on the implementation of modern cybersecurity standards for energy companies.

ESCO, in partnership with the World Bank, held a consultative meeting and discussion on the implementation of modern cybersecurity standards for energy companies.

On 28 November, the Electricity System Commercial Operator (ESCO) and the World Bank’s Energy Practice jointly organized a consultative and informational meeting-discussion on the topic: "Obtaining a Cybersecurity / Information Security Certificate and Related Discussions for Energy Agencies." The Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mrs. Inga Pkhaladze, donor partners, representatives of energy companies, and members of both the public and private sectors, attended the event.

In 2025, because of close collaboration with the World Bank’s Energy Mission and the successful measures undertaken to strengthen cybersecurity, the Electricity Market Operator (ESCO) became the first among Georgian energy companies to obtain the ISO 27001 international standard certification. In accordance with Georgian legislation, ESCO is listed among the organizations classified as holders of first-category information systems, which requires the implementation of flexible information security and quality management frameworks, the enhancement of staff awareness, and organizational preparedness for both preventing and effectively responding to cyberattacks. The consultative meeting and discussion aimed to provide, using ESCO’s experience as a model, an analysis of the work and actions required for energy companies to obtain such certification, along with practical recommendations.

The Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mrs. Inga Pkhaladze, and the Head of the World Bank’s Energy Practice, Mr. Florian Kitt, opened the meeting with introductory remarks.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the role of governmental policy in ensuring the security of the energy sector, as well as the growing importance of cybersecurity for the electricity and gas markets and for transmission infrastructure. She emphasized the value of cooperation with the World Bank in strengthening cybersecurity and noted that the awarding of the ISO 27001 certification to ESCO represents both readiness to meet modern challenges and a commitment to the implementation of international standards.

“Today, energy security depends on cybersecurity. Georgia has made significant progress in protecting its energy sector, but cybersecurity is a constantly moving target. As Georgia’s role in regional gas and electricity trade expands, so too does our responsibility to safeguard the systems that underpin these processes,” stated Mrs. Pkhaladze.
According to the Deputy Minister, cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue—it is a cornerstone of national resilience, economic stability, and regional credibility.

Through the presentation delivered by ESCO and the subsequent discussions, representatives of energy companies received comprehensive information on the steps required to adopt modern cybersecurity standards aimed at increasing their organizations’ security and reliability. International energy security expert Mr. Erhan Gormen, drawing on practical experience and illustrative examples, explained the importance of cyber resilience and cyberattack prevention in the modern world for organizations across all sectors, especially within such a strategic field as energy. Mr. Florian Kitt, Head of the World Bank’s Energy Mission, also expressed the Bank’s readiness to assist other energy companies operating in Georgia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of the energy companies congratulated ESCO on the implementation of this modern security standard and expressed their appreciation for the valuable and insightful consultation and recommendations provided.