Sustaining and Expanding Southern African Power through

Effective Regulation

     

Pretoria – The U.S. government commemorated the completion of a new regulatory training curriculum with a formal hand-over ceremony with its energy sector partner, the Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA). The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) hosted the hand-over ceremony.

 

Developing a transparent, robust and predictable energy regulatory regime in Southern Africa is critical to increasing electricity generation and expanding access to power by attracting Independent Power Producer investment to the sector. An increase in Independent Power Producer electricity generation capacity will contribute to improved security of supply, climate change mitigation, economic growth, trade competitiveness, poverty reduction and food security within the region. 

 

Across Southern Africa, regulatory board members and commissioners change regularly, new sector regulators are being established, and existing regulators continue to expand their scope to meet increased energy market demands. Recognizing the growing need for a contemporary, modular training curriculum, the U.S. government partnered with the Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA) to develop a framework for the successful delivery of continuing education and capacity building to regulatory boards, commissioners, and other technical staff in the region. 

 

“The ongoing institutional development of our (RERA) members is crucial for efficient, effective, and consistent formulation of energy policy, regulation, and management in line with international best practices across Southern Africa”, noted Gloria Magombo, RERA Chairperson.

 

“RERA’s member agencies play a pivotal role on multiple fronts, including protecting consumers, ensuring the viability and sustainability of utilities and promoting investment while guiding policy and facilitating development of the energy sector, said Mark Wilt of USAID/Southern Africa. 

 

Launched in 2002 and approved by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), RERA plays a leading role in coordination, capacity building and information sharing, and facilitation of ESI policy, legislation and regulations across the region. 

 

The US Government, through Power Africa, a US-Government-led Partnership comprised of a diverse coalition of public and private sector partners committed to investing in Africa’s energy future, and the USAID Southern Africa Trade Hub, works closely with governments and regional institutions like the RERA to strengthen capacity for managing and regulating the energy sector in the region. 

 

For more information please contact: Elijah Sichone, Executive Secretary, Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA), + 264 (81) 227-1110 mobile or ecsichone@rerasadc.com.