Ecowas Power Regulator Get New Council Members.
The three members of the Regulatory Council of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) have been sworn in by the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante.
Professor Honoré Bogler, Chairman; Mr. Aly Mar Ndiaye, Member, Engineer; and Dr. Haliru Dikko, Member, Economist, took their oath of office before the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at its mid-year statutory meeting on 25th June 2019 at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja.
Council of Ministers.
The swearing-in was held in accordance with ECOWAS provisions defining the composition, organization, functions and operation of ERERA, which prescribe that, “on assumption of office, at the session of the Council of Ministers, each Member of the Regulatory Council shall take an oath, which shall be administered by the President of the Community Court of Justice…”
The ceremony also served to regularize the appointments of the members of the ERERA Regulatory Council, who assumed duty in 2016 and 2017.
According to Professor Bogler, this means the Regulatory Council is now better positioned to play its role as rule maker and supervisor of the Regional Electricity Market and in readiness for the commencement of the second phase expected in 2020.
The Regional Electricity Market is planned in three phases. The first phase which was launched in June 2018, is transitional and will last for two years before the commencement of the second phase which will add a competitive market to the existing bilateral agreements. .
Professor Bogler gave the assurance Tuesday at the sidelines of the Eighty-second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers being held at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja.
He said in partnership with the West African Power Pool (WAPP), ECOWAS Member States and other relevant stakeholders, ERERA will work tirelessly to ensure a sustainable tariff system for the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market when the second phase starts in 2020.
Acknowledging the abundance of natural resources in the region, Professor Bogler said the key challenges facing the development of the power market include “funding and infrastructure to harness these resources in order to serve the needs of the consumers in Member States”.
He said ECOWAS specialized institutions are working with international development partners and member states’ electricity companies to improve infrastructure and electricity supply in the region, as huge investments are required.
Professor Bogler also assured that adequate mechanisms have been put in place to attract investors as a way to consider the interest of ordinary electricity consumers, noting that issues relating to tariffs would be among the top priority areas for the ERERA Regulatory Council.
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