Kenya Power’s Self-Service Platforms Record Over 22% Growth As Customers Embrace Convenience

Kenya Power recorded growth in customer requests on its self-service platforms during the last financial year, in tandem with a growing customer base. Total customer interactions on the MyPower App increased by 22.12% during the financial year ended June 30, 2025, to 2.02 million, compared to 1.65 million interactions recorded during the previous financial year. Similarly, customer requests on the company’s USSD Code *977# increased by 13.58% from 1.62 million to 1.84 million during the period under review. Bill query stood out as the most sought service on the self-service platforms, registering 304,198 new requests and bringing the total number of bill query requests to 1.7 million. The bill simulator attracted 21,967 new requests, with the total number of requests standing at 99,709 by the end of the financial year. Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Power, Engr. Dr. Joseph Biror, said, “One of our strategic growth pillars is customer satisfaction. We’ve identified ways to enhance service delivery through technology. Our self-service platforms offer customers convenience and are a step toward seamless service delivery.” “The bill simulator empowers customers to understand their power bill and plan accordingly. Our business focuses on powering livelihoods to prosperity, so it’s essential for customers to understand and plan for their electricity consumption,” Dr. Biror added. He also highlighted other important services on the self-service platforms, including the self-reading option for accurate billing and the Jua for Sure service to authenticate Kenya Power staff. New registrations for the self-service platforms increased by 10,440 to 41,265, while requests to confirm the identity of Kenya Power staff rose by 6,887 to 33,422. Using the self-service platforms, Kenya Power customers can access various services, including reporting power outages, purchasing electricity tokens, tracking application status for new connections, and more.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: PURC’s Efforts Yield Gh¢1.5 Million Recovery For ECG, NEDCo & GWL

Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has recovered over Gh¢1.5 million from customers found to have engaged in illegal connections or bill payment defaults to three utility companies. The utilities, namely Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and Ghana Water Limited, recovered Gh¢511,921.88, Gh¢925,508.67, and Gh¢127,939.02, respectively, through PURC’s intervention. This was contained in a press release issued by the Commission about its performance for the first half of 2025. The release also showed that two utilities, ECG and GWL, paid combined compensation of Gh¢955,904.45. ECG contributed Gh¢69,794.48, while GWL contributed Gh¢886,109.97. Between January and June 2025, the commission received 8,162 complaints, resolving 7,857 (96.26%). The remaining 305 complaints (3.74%) are under investigation due to their technical nature. The highest number of complaints (4,228) were lodged against ECG, with 4,044 (95.65%) resolved. NEDCo received 3,152 complaints, resolving 3,064 (97.21%). GWL received 746 complaints, resolving 720 (96.51%). The Commission also resolved 29 out of 36 complaints lodged by utilities against consumers, representing an 80.56% resolution rate.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

The Gambia To Host ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum 2025 In September

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia, has announced the 10th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum, scheduled for September 18-19, 2025. This landmark event, themed “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region,” will take place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. The event is under the esteemed patronage of Honorable Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia. As the premier platform for advancing sustainable energy in West Africa, ESEF 2025 will bring together key stakeholders to foster regional cooperation and investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. For a decade, ESEF has served as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and investment mobilization, attracting over 500 participants annually. The Forum convenes ministers, regional and international organization leaders, financial institutions, private sector executives, researchers, students, and civil society actors from across the energy, climate, and development sectors. ESEF 2025 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening institutional, policy, and regulatory frameworks to unlock the region’s vast sustainable energy potential and accelerate the ECOWAS energy transition.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Libya: ExxonMobil Signs MoU With NOC To Conduct Studies On Four Offshore Blocks

American oil and gas supermajor ExxonMobil has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) to undertake a detailed technical study of four offshore blocks located near the northwest coast and the Sirte Basin of Libya. This MoU establishes a geological and geophysical study to identify hydrocarbon resources in these blocks. It also paves the way for cooperation and the resumption of the partnership between NOC and ExxonMobil, aiming to restart activities in Libya after a decade-long hiatus. In a speech at the signing ceremony, the Chairman of the NOC Board of Directors Masoud Suleman emphasized the corporation’s commitment to expanding partnerships with major American energy companies, particularly ExxonMobil. He expressed confidence in the potential for positive outcomes based on their collaboration history. He noted that contract terms are now more favorable than in the past, reflecting global energy sector changes, and that conditions are ideal for achieving success. Mr Suleman praised Libyan expertise and technical personnel’s value in exploration, development, and drilling. It’s worth noting that ExxonMobil was one of the companies that expressed interest in participating in NOC’s public bidding round for exploration in Libya, which includes 22 offshore and onshore blocks available for investment. ExxonMobil’s willingness to engage in exploration operations in Libya has been described as a strategic move, aligned with the increasing trend of international oil companies returning to the country.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Zimbabwe: Afreximbank Provides €3.80M Funding For 1-GW Floating Solar Project Studies

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a heads of terms agreement to provide $4.4 million (€3.80m) to support a 1-GW hybrid floating solar project on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The agreement was signed during the 32nd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank (AAM2025). The financing facility will be extended to Green Hybrid Power Private Limited to fund bankability and feasibility studies for the project and the procurement of transaction advisers. It’s expected to unlock an estimated $350 million in investment. The plan is to build the solar park in two phases, starting with the installation of 500 MW of power-generating capacity. The pilot stage will supply electricity to the Intensive Energy Users Group, a consortium of large industrial and mining companies, under a 20-year take-or-pay power purchase agreement (PPA). It was one of four project preparation deals inked at the event, which are collectively expected to catalyze around $1 billion in investments.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

10th Edition Of The ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025)

Banjul, The Gambia: The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines of The Gambia, is pleased to announce the 10th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2025), under the theme: “Accelerating Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Solutions for Growth in the ECOWAS Region.” This landmark event will take place from 18th – 19th September 2025 at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, The Gambia, under the esteemed patronage of Honorable Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines of The Gambia. As the premier platform for advancing sustainable energy in West Africa, ESEF 2025 will bring together key stakeholders to foster regional cooperation and investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. For a decade, ESEF has served as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and investment mobilization, attracting over 500 participants annually. The Forum convenes ministers, regional and international organization leaders, financial institutions, private sector executives, researchers, students, and civil society actors from across the energy, climate, and development sectors. ESEF 2025 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening institutional, policy, and regulatory frameworks to unlock the region’s vast sustainable energy potential and accelerate the ECOWAS energy transition. 18th – 19th September, 2025 | Banjul, The Gambia

Ghana: Engen Ghana Ltd. Rebrands As Misa Energy Ghana Ltd.

Engen Ghana Ltd., a leading player in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, has rebranded as Misa Energy Ghana Ltd., signifying a new corporate brand identity. This evolution signals the company’s renewed commitment to innovation, customer focus, and long-term growth. The rebranding follows the 2019 acquisition of Engen Ghana by Mocoh Ghana Ltd. It reflects a bold strategic vision to build a distinctly African energy brand, rooted in Ghanaian leadership and global standards. With over 27 years of trusted service in the Ghanaian market, Engen Ghana’s transition to MISA Energy represents both a continuation of that legacy and a dynamic shift toward the future. In a statement issued after the official unveiling of the new corporate brand, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Brent Nartey stated: “Our new brand represents who we are becoming – more innovative, more customer-focused, and more aligned with the future we’re building together. It is a promise to our customers to fuel their dreams and put them first. MISA Energy is a symbol of the trust we’ve earned over the years and the ambition that drives us forward.” The rebrand includes a new logo, refreshed retail visual identity, and updated corporate Vision, Mission, and Values. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions that empower communities and fuel economic growth in Ghana and beyond. According to him, the company will roll out the new identity across its national retail network over the next 12 months. He assured all stakeholders that the company’s core principles and commitment to service excellence, which have defined its operations and success, remain unchanged. “The new identity positions the company to pursue greater ambitions and respond more effectively to emerging opportunities in Ghana’s dynamic energy sector,” he said. In a solidarity message, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), praised the transformation, noting: “A renewed identity is a chance to re-center your purpose, re-energize your company, and reconnect with the communities you serve. It is how you stay relevant. It is how you stay trusted. And most importantly, it is how you leave a legacy.” Dr. Oppong also commended the visionary leadership of Mr. Brent Nartey, CEO of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd., acknowledging his instrumental role in the company’s evolution and his contributions to the Chamber through years of impactful industry leadership. “As the energy sector continues to evolve, it’s truly inspiring to see companies positioning themselves to meet the needs of today and the opportunities of tomorrow,” he concluded.

Nigeria: Garba Ramat Named NERC Boss, Two Others As Commissioners

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), according to a statement from the presidency. Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer with a PhD in Strategic Management. He will assume office in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Senate, as stated by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “To avoid a leadership vacuum in the critical regulatory agency, the President directed that Engr. Ramat assume office in an acting capacity pending his screening by the Senate, as stipulated by law.” President Tinubu also nominated two other officials to serve as commissioners of the regulatory body: Mr. Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun, Commissioner of Finance and Management Services. All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. President Tinubu charged the appointees to utilize their expertise “to discharge their functions and work assiduously to advance the administration’s power sector vision.” Ramat, a licensed electrical engineer, holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Lincoln University, a Master’s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Jodhpur National University, India, and a B.Eng in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. His notable achievements include deploying smart grid and IoT solutions that reduced infrastructure costs by 40% and pioneering blockchain-based e-governance in Kano, tripling local government revenue. He previously served as the Kano State Representative on the NERC Consumer Forum (2019-2020) and has led institutional reforms across public and private sectors. As the founder and CEO of AG Ramat Global Link and AG Ramat Global Apex, he has driven ventures in engineering consulting and technology services.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: NEDCo Staff Resume Field Services In Tamale; Restore Power Supply To Areas Experiencing Outages

Staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have resumed field services in the Tamale metropolis and its environs, restoring power supply in areas that were experiencing power outages. This follows a visit by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, to Tamale on Tuesday, where he held constructive discussions with key figures, including NEDCo Management, the Mayor of Tamale, the Senior Staff Association and Union of NEDCo and VRA, the Head of National Security for the Northern Region, and the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari Gariba II. The Minister’s visit follows an unprovoked attack on NEDCo staff by youth in Tamale, which forced NEDCo to suspend field services in the Tamale metropolis and other areas. A statement issued by Richmond Rockson Esq., Spokesperson for the Energy Ministry, commended all parties involved for their cooperation in resolving the concerns of both workers and the chiefs. The Ministry has called on residents of Tamale and its environs to refrain from any acts of aggression towards NEDCo and VRA staff as they carry out their lawful duties in the township. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous engagement with all stakeholders to prevent future disruptions and ensure a reliable power supply for all Ghanaians.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Nigeria: Fire Guts Egbin Power Station

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported a fire incident at Egbin Power Plc. The incident, which occurred at about 6:30 am on August 5, 2025, affected TCN’s 150MVA power transformer at the Egbin Transmission Substation. A statement issued by TCN revealed that the fire originated from one of the power station’s service transformers owned by Egbin Power Plc, which is directly connected to the 33kV side of one of TCN’s power transformers – a 150MVA 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II. TCN’s investigation traced the cause of the fire to a faulty 33kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power Plc, which was engulfed by fire. This ultimately led to damage to a 150MVA power transformer belonging to TCN, causing oil leakage due to a tear in its main tank. As a result, TCN has temporarily reduced bulk power supply to Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV transmission substations, which supply IKEDC and IBEDC for some parts of their franchise areas, as well as Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132kV network within Lagos State. The transmission company has notified IKEDC and EKEDC to assist in load management within their franchise areas. TCN is making urgent arrangements to source a replacement transformer. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this is causing the two distribution companies and electricity customers in the affected areas and pledge to work hard to ensure full restoration of bulk supply to the substations in the shortest possible time.”     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: Transport Operators Suspend Planned 20% Fares Increment

Transport Operators in the Republic of Ghana have suspended a planned 20% increase in fares which was expected to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025. The decision to suspend it follows an emergency meeting on Wednesday between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport, citing lack of broader consultation before the announcement of the proposed increase. A statement issued by Mr Emmanuel Nii Ankrah, National Vice Chairman, and Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, stated that they had agreed to maintain current transport fares. Many Ghanaians questioned the planned quantum jump in transport fares when fuel prices have been a bit lower in recent times compared to same period last year. The operators said they had not experienced a corresponding reduction in the cost of spare parts and other goods and services following an earlier 15% fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025. They further argued that a newly introduced GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy has pushed fuel prices up by approximately 8%, directly impacting operational costs for drivers and transport companies. Lastly, they mentioned worsening road conditions across the country, resulting in increased maintenance costs, further compounding the financial strain on operators. The 20% increase will apply to all categories of public transport, including shared taxis, intra-city “trotro” services, long-distance intercity transport, and haulage. “All commercial transport operators and companies are to comply with the new fares and visibly post them at their loading terminals,” the Council said. The Council appealed to commuters, transport operators, and the general public to cooperate for the smooth implementation of the revised fares. Reacting to the issue, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) questioned the matrices that informed any such drastic upward reviews of public transport fares. The Executive Director of COPEC, Mr Duncan Amoah, rejected the argument by the transporters that the recent introduction of GH¢1 levy on a litre of petroleum products had pushed fuel prices upwards. “The overall effect of the new One Ghana levy is still not sufficient to wipe out the sustained reductions recorded at the pumps over the past couple of months. “For the avoidance of doubt, fuel prices which used to sell for around GH¢15/litre as of January 2025, when it declined to around GH¢11 and GH¢12/litre saw a section of drivers who were magnanimous in reducing transport fares by some 15%, though a cross section of other driver unions did not reduce their fares and had to be literally chased by the local assemblies. “On the balance of odds or numbers, the pricing levels as of today are still not anywhere near the January prices…” Touching on government attempts to reintroduce the road toll systems, Mr Amoah noted that although the tolls system would have some monetary impact on them, it is justification for any increment in transport fares as the effects would not only be felt by the already suffering masses but would further diffuse genuine outcry by the people for the cost of goods and services to be reduced across all sectors to bring some relief.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Suncor Beats Expectations With Q2 Results

Canadian oil heavyweight Suncor Energy reported higher-than-expected earnings for the second quarter, booking a net result of $820 million and returning over $1 billion to shareholders in the period.

The company benefited from an increase in crude oil production during the second quarter that helped it compensate for lower overall energy commodity prices, accumulating some C$2.7 billion ($1.96 billion) in funds from operations, and C$1 billion ($730 million) in free cash flow. Operating profits, however, halved from the first to the second quarter of the year and were substantially lower than the figure for the second quarter of 2024, at C$873 million versus C$1.626 billion for Q2 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Suncor posted operating profits of C$1.629 billion. Cash flow from operating activities, however, went up to C$2.9 billion, from C$2.16 billion for the first quarter of the year.
This came from a record production of 808,000 barrels daily, which drove the first-half average to a record as well, at 831,000 barrels daily. Refinery throughput during the second quarter was also at a record level. The daily average stood at 442,000 barrels, while the first-half daily average reached 462,000 barrels, also a record high. “What stands out the most about our strong second quarter is the outstanding execution of major upstream and downstream turnaround activities, completed safely and ahead of schedule,” chief executive Rich Kruger said, commenting on the second-quarter results. “This performance was a key driver behind Suncor’s record-setting second quarter and first half volumes results and positions us extremely well for a strong second half of the year.” Suncor lowered its capital expenditure plans for the full year, now planning to spend some C$5.7-5.9 billion ($4.1-$4.3 billion), which is down from earlier spending plans for over C$6 billion, or $4.36 billion.     Source:Oilprice.com

Madagascar Commits To SADC Centre For Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency Program

Madagascar has signed the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (IGMoA), becoming the 12th SADC Member State to sign the SACREEE IGMoA. The Minister for Energy and Hydrocarbons, Hon. Olivier Jean-Baptiste, signed the document on behalf of Madagascar during the 8th SADC Industrialisation Week, witnessed by the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba. This commitment underscores Madagascar’s dedication to the uptake of clean and green energy, energy efficiency, and increasing energy access for its people. Since its establishment, the SACREEE Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement has now been signed by twelve (12) SADC Member States, namely Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Out of the twelve (12) Member States, seven (7) – Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – have submitted SACREEE instruments of ratification. The SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) was established in 2015 by SADC Energy Ministers, with a mandate to promote increased access to modern energy services and improved energy security across the SADC Region. SACREEE operates from Windhoek, Namibia, as approved by the SADC Council of Ministers, following a recommendation by SADC Ministers responsible for Energy to host the centre in Namibia.       Source: https://energynewsafrica.com

Ghana: GNPC Inaugurates New Audit Committee To Enhance Governance And Accountability

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has inaugurated a new Audit Committee to strengthen its governance, accountability, and financial oversight. The new Audit Committee, chaired by Mr. Benjamin Sowah Adjetey, comprises Mrs. Stella Hannah A. B. Segbawu, Mr. Paul Kwasi Agyemang, Yoo Naa Andani Yakubu Abdulai, and Hon. Seidu Alhassan Alajor as members. The inauguration ceremony, held on July 29, 2025, was presided over by Mr. Thomas Ashaley Thompson-Aryee, the Acting Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). Mr. Kwame Ntow Amoah, GNPC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the committee’s importance in maintaining trust and transparency. He pledged management’s full support for the new committee’s work. Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Thompson-Aryee highlighted the evolving role of audit committees in the public sector, noting recent parliamentary discussions and public financial management reforms, including the Commitment Control Compliance Checklist (CCCC). This checklist requires entities to obtain approval for procurement transactions above a certain threshold and mandates internal auditors to submit quarterly CCCC reports to the IAA. Mr. Thompson-Aryee reminded attendees that the second-quarter reports were due by July 31, 2025, and stressed the importance of compliance to avoid sanctions. He also extended an invitation for GNPC leadership to attend the 2025 Annual Internal Audit Conference in November. In his closing remarks, Mr. Amoah expressed confidence that the new committee would resolve existing audit issues and help establish GNPC as a model of accountability within the public sector.     Source: https://energynewsafrica.com