ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) is poised to revolutionize power supply in West Africa with the imminent adoption of a unified regional grid code.
This crucial development is the primary focus of ERERA’s 23rd Consultative Committees of Regulators and Operators meeting, currently underway in Accra. The proposed grid code aims to harmonize rules governing the electricity market across the region, encompassing system operation, market operations, planning, and connection regulations.
“We’ve spent nearly a year consulting with stakeholders on this comprehensive framework,” said Yawovi Negbegble, Principal Power Regulatory Officer at ERERA. “With their endorsement, ERERA can approve the regional grid code for the West African power pool.”
A unified grid code is expected to bolster regional cooperation, enhance power supply reliability, and stimulate economic growth.
The two-day meeting will also scrutinize pricing methodologies for the evolving regional market, procedures for calculating regional electricity transmission tariffs, and the grid code itself.
Negbegble acknowledged the complexity of the document as a potential hurdle, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder buy-in. “We’ve shared the final draft with all stakeholders for expert review,” he said, expressing confidence in the task force’s work.
The task force comprises experts from regulators, grid operators, and seasoned energy professionals from Ghana and Benin.
ERERA Chairman Kocou Rodrigue Laurent Tossou called for productive discussions to address regulatory challenges and foster a competitive regional electricity market. He also proposed establishing a research and development center to drive innovation.
Dr. Emmanuel Mannah, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, expressed optimism for a unified regional tariff, highlighting the need for scientific calculations to reduce costs and subsequently, tariffs.
Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Executive Director of Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, emphasized the correlation between electricity tariffs and production, transmission, distribution costs, as well as macroeconomic factors.
He advocated for increased renewable energy adoption to lower costs and tariffs, aligning with Ghana’s Integrated Power Sector Master Plan.
Key points:
- ERERA is on the cusp of approving a regional grid code to unify West Africa’s electricity market.
- The grid code aims to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and boost regional cooperation.
- Stakeholders are reviewing the code and related documents at the 23rd Consultative Committees meeting in Accra.
- A unified regional tariff is a potential outcome of the meeting.
- Increasing renewable energy integration is crucial for lowering electricity costs.
