Ghana: Tema ECG To Sanitise Asset Database
The Tema Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun a project aimed at sanitising its customer and asset database.
This project will also help automate work processes related to installation, replacements, maintenance works and decommissioning of downstream assets.
It also targets uncaptured meters and individuals connected to the ECG network who are not receiving bills, ensuring they are fully onboard as ECG customers to improve revenue and reduce system losses.
The project, which started in the Nungua District of the Tema Region, is currently ongoing in the Ashaiman District and will be replicated in other districts in the region.
The project implementation involves tagging downstream assets such as low voltage poles, building structures and meters with unique QR codes, as well as updating customer information in the ECG network.
The Project Manager, Mr Charles Obeng, who is also the Director of Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the ECG, indicated that “an inventory and tagging of assets throughout the district is being done as part of efforts designed to ensure accurate records and effective management of the district assets.”
He added that “customers should collaborate with the personnel who may visit their premises as part of this project.
“The ECG personnel will be working with service persons, interns and some military personnel as part of their on-field study experiences with ECG.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ethiopia: Over 580,000 Ethiopians Benefit From Off-Grid Energy Solutions Programme
The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) has revealed that 580,000 citizens of Ethiopia have benefited from the implementation of an off-grid energy solutions programme.
The Minister for Water and Energy, Eng Habtamu Itefa, disclosed this during an interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA).
He said the country has been working to increase energy supply by integrating renewable sources to meet the growing power demand.
He mentioned that development partners such as the World Bank Group (WBG) and others are ready to support energy sector initiatives in the country.
The MoWE also organised the sector’s structure and trained manpower to exploit solar energy.
Ethiopia is endowed with renewable energy potentials such as water, solar, wind and geothermal energy.
So far, over 92 per cent of the country’s energy production supply comes from hydropower whereas the remaining energy comes from wind and other sources with the capacity to generate over 60, 000MW of electric power, he added.
“Currently, the emerging energy alternative to outreach the rural and remote areas’ growing electricity demand is solar energy.”
Furthermore, the country has been performing various activities to exploit solar energy potential, according to the Minister.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya, Uganda Hold Talks On Fuel Pipeline Extension To Kampala
Kenya and Uganda have initiated discussions to extend a petroleum products pipeline from Eldoret to Kampala, a project aimed at reshaping the region’s fuel import landscape.
According to a report by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Ugandan Energy Minister Ruth Ssentamu visited Kenya last week to meet with Kenyan energy officials, including Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, and tour the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) headquarters.
KPC Managing Director Joe Sang said the extension would bolster Kenya’s position in the petroleum export market, especially in light of Uganda’s recent shift to independent fuel imports. He expressed KPC’s readiness to collaborate with Uganda on the Eldoret-Malaba section of the pipeline.
The project involves Kenya building a multi-product pipeline from Eldoret to the Malaba border, while Uganda constructs a connecting line to Kampala.
There are also plans for a potential extension to Kigali, Rwanda.
Ssentamu said the visit focused on planning the project and gaining insights into KPC’s operations.
Uganda ended its reliance on Kenya for fuel supplies in early July after a deal between the Uganda National Oil Corporation and Vitol Bahrain.
The East African nation aims to secure lower fuel prices while continuing to use Kenya’s Port of Mombasa and KPC infrastructure for transporting products to western Kenya depots.
The pipeline concept was first proposed in 1995 and revived in May following a feasibility study funded by the European Investment Bank.
President William Ruto said in May that Kenya and Uganda would form a joint committee to oversee the project and mobilize resources. Progress reports are expected by the end of the year.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
AJERAP Forecasts Oil Prices At $70 – $90, Presents Outlook August 8, 2024
The African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers, AJERAP, (https://AJERAP.org), has predicted global oil prices to hover between $70 and $90 per barrel in the second half (July – December) of 2024.
The forecast forms part of AJERAP’s report – AFRICA ENERGY OUTLOOK SECOND HALF 2024 – scheduled for unveiling to the African and global community during a webinar at 10 am West Central African Time, on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
The event has Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus in Petroleum Economics & Policy, Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria; Mr. Haddison Etchuo, Managing Director, IBC Consultancy, United Kingdom; Mrs Cany Job, Director of Exploration and Production, Gambia National Oil Corporation, The Gambia; Mr. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber and Mr. Robert Mugabi, Operator/HSE Contractor, Uganda, as panelists.
It will be moderated by Marcia Zali, a South African journalist while the Outlook will be reviewed by Sanna Camara, another journalist based in The Gambia.
Meanwhile, the Outlook, stated: “The prices of many crudes hovered at more than $80 per barrel in the global oil market during the first half (January – June) of 2024.
“In the second half of the year (July – December), the oil market will be unstable with prices hovering between $70 and $90 per barrel, due to dynamics, especially the forces of demand and supply as well as unexpected developments around the world.
“The price level will be sufficient to meet the budget 2024 targets of many African nations, including Nigeria, the continent’s leading producer that had budgeted to produce 1.70 million barrels per day and earn $77.96 per barrel in 2024.
“Other African-producing nations, including Angola, Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Ghana also stand to earn sufficient foreign exchange from oil exports as the world economic growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 remain at 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively.
“But unforeseen circumstances, especially disruptions in operations that could disrupt production, export and prices remain high, especially in Libya and Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
“This will continue to be fueled by communal disturbances, pipeline vandalism, oil theft, oil spillage and illegal refining, which are still the sad realities in Africa.
“The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, working with non-OPEC producing countries and other stakeholders appears technically ready to initiate options that would restore global market stability.”
Also, the Outlook, which expects much exploration and production activities in Africa in the second half of 2024, stated: “Oil and gas exploration and production will continue in many African nations because of their need to actualize energy security as well as generate foreign exchange to fund development projects and programmes.
“Many exploration and production activities should be expected in many nations, especially Angola, Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, The Gambia, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria.
“The developed Western world will continue to condemn Africa’s commitment to developing its oil and gas potential, mainly through the much-politicized energy transition.
“African countries that heavily rely on natural gas as their transition fuel will execute their energy transition programmes during the period.
“However, lack of adequate funds remains a major constraint as global financial institutions and their partners are opposed to the continued funding of fossil fuel projects.
“This and other constraints could reduce the number of rigs deployed for operations in many African oil and gas countries in the second half of 2024.”
For registration and participation, use this link: https://apo-opa.co/4dy0JS7
AJERAP was established to promote accurate reportage and analysis of the energy and related sectors from an African perspective.
This is expected to assist in achieving not only the ‘just energy transition’ for Africa but also energy security in the continent, which is still struggling to overcome its energy poverty.
The association is committed to promoting professional development and cooperation among its members while encouraging investment, local content development and sustainability in Africa and beyond.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Glencore Ordered To Pay $152M In Swiss Bribery Case
Switzerland’s federal prosecutor has ordered commodities trader and miner Glencore to pay $152 million for failing to prevent bribery linked to the acquisition by a business partner of minority stakes in two mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2011.
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland said its decision, which orders Glencore International AG to pay a fine of two million Swiss francs ($2.35 million) and compensation to the Swiss state “amounting to” $150 million, wraps up its four-year criminal investigation.
“Glencore is held criminally liable of corporate liability … for failing to take all necessary reasonable and organizational measures to prevent the bribery of a Congolese public official by its business partner,” the prosecutor said in a statement on Monday, August 5, 2024.
The bribery by Glencore’s business partner took place when he acquired stakes from a state-owned mining company in the DRC in Central Africa for less than their value, the prosecutor said.
The agency did not name him.
The shares were taken over by the partner, and Glencore failed to ensure adequate management of the resulting risks.
The Swiss prosecutor said it took into account the fact that Glencore had cooperated with the authorities since the criminal investigation was opened in June 2020 when it reduced the penalty.
The prosecutor said it has also abandoned other proceedings against the international commodities giant, including questions about the renegotiations in 2008 and 2009 for a joint venture with the Congolese state mining company.
Glencore said in a statement that it does not admit the findings of the Swiss attorney general, but said it has agreed not to appeal against the summary penalty order to resolve the matter.
Glencore added that the Swiss ruling did not identify that any of its employees had knowledge of the bribery by the business partner and that the business did not benefit financially from the conduct.
Kalidas Madhavpeddi, the company’s chair, said the organization is “pleased” to have resolved the investigations. Madhavpeddi added that the company has “invested heavily” to improve its ethics and compliance program.
“We are committed to continuing to enhance the program and are working to embed ethics and compliance in each facet of our business, no matter where in the world we operate,” Madhavpeddi said.
The Serious Fraud Office in the U.K. charged the former chief executive of Glencore’s oil business and four other ex-employees with bribery on Thursday, over allegations that they made corrupt payments to government officials to win contracts in West Africa.
The group of five is accused of paying bribes over the award of oil contracts in Cameroon, Nigeria and Ivory Coast from 2007 to 2014.
Source: law360.co.uk
Ghana: VRA Engages Stakeholders At Anwomaso On Its Operations In The Area
The Volta River Authority (VRA), state largest power generation company in the Republic of Ghana has engaged with stakeholders at Anwomaso in the Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region as part of the efforts to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relations with communities impacted by the Authority’s operations.
The engagement which took place at the Ebenezer Methodist Church, Anwomaso, was aimed at educating stakeholders on the operations of the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station (ATPS) and the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Manager for Community Relations, Mr. Samuel Fletcher, in his address, provided insights on the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and the various channels through which the communities impacted by the operations of the Authority can be supported.
Some of the CSR initiatives highlighted were the Community Development Programme (CDP) Tertiary Scholarship Scheme, Community Development Projects, among others.
The stakeholders present commended VRA for the initiatives and expressed particular interest in the scholarship programme.
They assured the Authority of their support in carrying out its operations in the community.
The Chief of Anwomaso, Nana Osei Boa III, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude to the Authority and encouraged his people to continue to support the Authority.
Present at the meeting were the Municipal Chief Executive and Officials from Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, Chiefs, Opinion Leaders and some members of the Anwomaso community, representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police, GPRTU and other stakeholders.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.om
Ghanaian Energy Firm Springfield Hit With Sanctions In Discovery Fight
A Texas federal judge has slapped sanctions against an African energy company after finding that it lied in Ghanaian court about a discovery dispute related to a case in Ghana, saying attorney fees and costs are appropriate in relation to several proceedings.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison last Tuesday imposed the fees and costs sanctions against Ghanaian company Springfield Exploration & Production Ltd. following allegations lodged by Italian oil giant Eni’s Ghanaian unit, Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd., claiming that Springfield misrepresented the nature of the related Texas dispute to the Ghanaian court.
“The court finds that the imposition of sanctions against Springfield pursuant to the court’s inherent powers to be appropriate based on [a] finding of bad faith,” the judge wrote.
The sanctions of attorney fees and costs are related to Eni Ghana’s motion to modify a protective order, a bid by Springfield’s counsel to withdraw from the proceedings, and the sanctions proceedings themselves.
On Tuesday, however, Judge Ellison declined to vacate the protective order while also finding that “modest sanctions are appropriate.” He asked Eni Ghana to submit a brief saying the amount of costs and fees it is owed, along with documentation.
Eni Ghana had instigated the Texas proceedings to procure production of a report prepared by Gaffney Cline & Associates Inc., which purportedly found that a Springfield oil field in Ghana had a large untapped reserve and thus proved the commercial viability of a joint undertaking that would unite two fields owned by Springfield and Eni Ghana, respectively, Judge Ellison said.
The original respondents in the Texas proceedings initiated by Eni Ghana were Gaffney Cline and its parent company, British oil services company Baker Hughes Co. Springfield later intervened. Judge Ellison granted Eni Ghana’s bid for production of the report in August 2022.
“However, Springfield refused to produce the Gaffney Cline report or the data the report relied on in reaching its conclusions, preventing Eni Ghana from challenging Springfield’s assertions,” the judge wrote.
Gaffney Cline and Baker Hughes eventually produced the report, but the judge said he issued a protective order because the resulting documents contained proprietary commercial information.
Eni Ghana had agreed to try to file the evidence under seal in any subsequent litigation, but the parties disagreed over what should happen if the Ghanaian courts rejected its motion to file under seal, Judge Ellison said.
“Eni Ghana contended it should be able to file the documents anyway, while Springfield argued that it should be prevented from filing the documents if they could not be sealed,” the judge wrote.
Judge Ellison ultimately sided with Springfield and issued the protective order in May 2023.
Just a month earlier, Eni Ghana had asked the Texas federal court not to stay its case seeking to compel Baker Hughes to hand over the records pertinent to the dispute over the oil reserved discovery in courts abroad, slamming the stay as “baseless” and “highly prejudicial.”
Eni Ghana and another oil company, Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd., in April 2023 filed an opposition to Springfield’s emergency motion to stay pending its appeal over discovery of its documents. Judge Ellison denied the motion that same month, saying Springfield had not shown a likelihood of success on the merits.
In particular, Eni and Vitol had been trying to get access to the report prepared by Baker Hughes’ unit Gaffney Cline & Associates analyzing the commercial viability of the oil discovery central to the Ghanaian case.
Eni and Vitol said that the district court held that they’re indeed entitled to the discovery they’re seeking, but then Springfield intervened and appealed.
With its motion for a stay, Springfield is just trying to further delay production of those materials, a move that could render the court’s order moot, Eni and Vitol said.
Eni and Vitol lodged their petition in the Southern District of Texas in July 2022. They said they invested $6.2 billion to develop an offshore oil and gas project that includes the Sankofa Cenomanian Oilfield.
In the courts of Ghana, Eni and Vitol are fighting “purported directives” from Ghana’s Ministry of Energy ordering them to jointly develop, operate and share the proceeds from the Sankofa oilfield with a new offshore oil discovery they call the “Alina Discovery.”
They said the directives could mean a multibillion-dollar windfall upon the two owners of that discovery: Springfield and Ghana’s state-owned oil company, the Ghana National Petroleum Corp.
They added that there has yet to be any appraisal of the Afina Discovery, an essential component of establishing commerciality.
Eni and Vitol said in their April 2023 filing that it was “telling” how hard Springfield was fighting to withhold evidence about the Gaffney Cline report.
“The logical inference is that the undisclosed information is harmful to Springfield’s case on unitization,” they said.
Counsel for Eni Ghana and Vitol Upstream declined to comment Wednesday. Counsel for Baker Hughes, Gaffney Cline and Springfield didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Eni Ghana Exploration and Vitol Upstream Ghana are represented by Luke A. Sobota of Three Crowns LLP.
Baker Hughes and Gaffney Cline are represented by Edwin S. Gault Jr. and Caroline Upchurch of Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP.
Springfield Exploration is represented by Jill Carvalho of Burke Law Group LLP.
The matter is In re: Ex Parte Application of Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Ltd., case number 4:22-mc-01285, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Source: Law360.com
TotalEnergies Sells Its Shares In Total Parco In Pakistan
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement to sell its 50% stake in Total PARCO Pakistan Limited (TPPL) to Gunvor Group, a leading global commodities trading company.
The transaction reflects the selective strategy of TotalEnergies in Marketing & Services focused on core geographies with growth and transitioning opportunities.
TPPL is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies Marketing and Services and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO) in Pakistan with a retail network of more than 800 service stations, fuel logistics, and lubricants activities.
The new entity will continue its retail business under the existing “Total Parco” brand, and its lubricants business under the “Total” brand for five years in Pakistan, continuing to serve its customers.
The acquisition remains subject to authorization by the relevant authorities and related agreements.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: NERC Transfers Regulatory Oversight Of Oyo Electricity Market To State Gov’t
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order transferring its regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Oyo State to the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
In an order dated August 5 and signed by Sanusi Garba, its chairman, the NERC said the directive take effect from today August 6, 2024.
According to the commission, the order is to commence the process of the transfer of regulatory oversight for the intrastate electricity market in the state from NERC to Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OSERC), in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity of Act 2023 (amended).
“Ibadan Electricity Distribution PLC (“IBEDC”) is hereby directed to incorporate a subsidiary (“IBEDC SubCo”) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act for the assumption of responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Oyo State fron IBEDC,” the order reads.
“IBEDC shall complete the incorporation of IBEDC SubCo within 60 days from the effective date of this Order and, IBEDC SubCo shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from OSERC.
“IBEDC shall identify the actual geographic boundaries of Oyo State and carve out its network in Oyo State as a standalone network with the installation of boundary meters at all border points where the network crosses from Oyo State into another state.”
According to the order, as part of the transition process, IBEDC is mandated to create an asset register of all its power infrastructure located within Oyo state.
The commission also said the DisCo would evaluate and apportion “contractual obligations and liabilities attributable to IBEDC’s operations of its subsidiary in Oyo State”.
IBEDC, according to NERC, would identify all the applicable trading points for energy offtake for the operations of IBEDC SubCo in Oyo.
NERC asked IBEDC to “confirm the number of employees that are required to provide service to Oyo State as a standalone public utility and transfer the identified assets for operations in Oyo State, contractual obligations, liabilities and employees to IBEDC SubCo”.
NERC said all transfers contained in the order would be completed by February 5, 2025.
On April 22, Enugu and Ekiti states received approval from NERC to regulate their electricity markets.
The regulator, on April 23, transferred oversight of the electricity market in Ondo to the state’s electricity regulatory bureau (OSERB).
On July 1, the commission transferred regulatory oversight of the power market in Imo to the state’s electricity regulatory commission (ISERC).
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: BOST Presents Laptops To Scholarship Beneficiaries At UMaT
The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BEST) formerly known as Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) has presented laptops to 50 selected students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), in Tarkwa, to support their studies as part of a four-year scholarship package program.
The beneficiary students are already part of the company’s scholarship programme, selected from across its host communities across the country.
The Deputy Managing Director of BOST, Joseph Kpemka, speaking at the presentation ceremony, highlighted the initiative as a corporate social responsibility effort aimed at empowering students from its impacted communities.
“The laptops will facilitate access to information, online research, and academic work,” Kpemka stated.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Anthony Simmons who received the laptops on behalf the University, while lauding BOST for the initiative, he urged the beneficiaries to endeavour to complete their studies successfully in order to motivate the company to continue to support others in their impacted communities.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Star Oil To Develop Tank Farm In Tema…Invites Contractors And Financiers
Star Oil Ghana Ltd., one of the second leading oil marketing companies in the Republic of Ghana, has announced a plan to develop a Tank Farm in the Tema enclave to enhance its operational capacity and strategic autonomy
The company is looking at constructing a 40,000 Metric Tonnes fuel tank farm over three to five years.
In a statement, the company said this new facility would grant Star Oil direct control over its fuel storage in the Tema enclave, in line with its growth and sustainability objectives.
In line with this ambitious project, the company is inviting experienced contractors and financiers with proven track record in similar developments to express their interest.
South Africa: Motorists Expected To Get Some Relief At The Pumps Next Week
Motorists in South Africa will witness a drop in fuel prices by next Wednesday, according to a report by Sabcnews.com, citing data from the Central Energy Fund.
The data points to a price reduction of between nine and thirteen cents per litre, depending on the grade of fuel.
The price of a litre of diesel is expected to drop by between 14 and 26 cents, also depending on the grade.
The price of a litre of paraffin is expected to decrease by around 20 cents.
The Central Energy Fund’s anticipated decrease in fuel prices follows a stronger rand dollar exchange rate over the period under review.
A reduction in the price of Brent crude oil in July also contributed to the expected upcoming fuel price reduction.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is expected to announce fuel price adjustments.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Petrol, and Diesel Prices Reduced At The Pumps
Oil Marketing Companies in the Republic of Ghana have reduced the pump prices of both petrol and diesel for the first pricing window of August, which runs from the 1st to the 15th of August.
As of Monday, leading OMCs such as GOIL, Shell, Star Oil and Zen Petroleum had adjusted their pump prices, with petrol selling between Gh¢14.42 and Gh¢14.02 per litre while diesel is selling between Gh¢14.99 and Gh¢14.48 per litre.
Unlike other parts of Africa where fuel prices are reviewed every month, in Ghana, fuel prices are reviewed every two weeks.
The reduction in fuel prices is a result of a reduction in refined petroleum products on the international market.
During the first pricing window which ended on July 31, a US dollar was exchanged for between Gh¢15.48 and Gh¢15.55.
Data from the National Petroleum Authority, the petroleum downstream regulator, showed that the price of refined petroleum products -petrol and diesel went down.
Petrol price decreased to US$817.75 from US$842.98 per metric tonne while diesel price decreased to Gh¢755.93 from US$792.32 per metric tonne for the first pricing window of August.
Crude oil prices also witnessed some decreases during the second window of July, with Brent falling from $87 to $80 per barrel and WTI falling from $84 to $73 per barrel.
Currently, GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢14.42 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.52, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.99 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢14.87 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.92 per litre.
TotalEnergies is selling petrol at Gh¢14.90 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.90 per litre.
Star Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢13.65 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.02 per litre.
Petrosol Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢14.39 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.68 per litre.
Zen Petroleum is selling petrol at Gh¢13.65 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.02 per litre.
Puma is selling petrol at Gh¢14.45 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.60 per litre.
Allied is selling petrol at Gh¢13.65 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.02 per litre.
Pacific is selling petrol at Gh¢14.39 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.79 per litre.
Engen Ghana is selling petrol at Gh¢14.65 while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.85 per litre.
Benab is selling petrol at Gh¢13.65while diesel is sold at Gh¢14.02 per litre.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Energy Experts Conclude Review Process On Regional Grid Code
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