Regional energy experts from the Ministries of Energy, National Regulatory Authorities, and power utilities from ECOWAS Member States have concluded the review of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Grid Code, a document critical for the operations of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market.
The experts, members of ERERA’s Consultative Committees of Regulators and Operators (CCRO), an organ set up to assist ERERA’s Regulatory Council in its decision-making role, began their two-day meeting on July 22, 2024, in Accra.
The review process of the WAPP Grid Code included consideration of the practices in the electricity industry and harmonizing the contents of the Grid Code, such as the terminology, procedures and rules, with the existing reference documents of the Regional Electricity Market as approved by ERERA.
The Grid Code will enhance the transition to the second phase of the electricity market and clarify the rules relating to the main functions of the market in a single integrated document.
At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman of ERERA, Engr. Laurent Tossou emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable electricity access for all ECOWAS Member States.
“Electricity security is paramount, and our role as regulators is to harmonize national policies to facilitate seamless electricity trade within the region,” he stated.
Engr. Tossou highlighted the progress made in regional electricity interconnections and stressed the need for robust regulatory frameworks to support further integration.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Ghana’s Energy Commission, Mr. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, underscored the region’s diverse energy potential including natural gas, solar, wind, and hydro.
He emphasized efficient resource utilization to achieve competitive pricing and dependable energy supply across West Africa.
For his part, the Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission of Ghana (PURC), Dr. Ishmael Ackah, emphasized the forum’s role in balancing national interests with economic principles in electricity trade.
“ERERA aims to foster dialogue among experts to ensure countries meet their energy needs while participating in cross-border electricity trade,” he noted.
The meeting of the Consultative Committees of Regulators and Operators precedes the organization of ERERA’s Regulatory Forum which will took place on July 24 and 25, 2024 in Accra.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com