ENHANCING CONSUMER PARTICIPATION IN REGULATORY REFORMS IN ELECTRICITY

SECTOR:INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER CONSUMERS FOR INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ELECTRICITY SECTOR

DANIEL ASHER, CUTS NAIROBI

Presentation OutlineThe Project

Goals and ObjectiveTarget BeneficiariesWhat Project intends to doIssues Project will Not coverActivitiesOutcomeMajor Expected Challenges

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Project Goal: Create long term capacity of CSOs to contribute to the regulations in electricity sector.

Project Objective: Facilitate effective consumer representation in policy formulation and regulation process in Kenya and Tanzania

Target Group/ Beneficiaries; Household Consumers, SMEs, CSOs, grassroots consumer groups, media, policymakers, ERC, Distribution

Companies, etc.3

What the project intends to doTrain CSOs to participate in policy

formulation and regulatory processes

Develop a mechanism to take the views from grassroots to the policy level and vice-versa

Promote consumers’ interventions on tariff, quality of service and complaint handling procedure

Creation of a regional network on Electricity

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Issues the project will not coverIndividual consumer grievances except systematic

issues

Rural Electrification and power availability issues

Subsidy or cross subsidy issues

Environmental and social Issues

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ActivitiesLiterature Review and Field Research

Field Research to be conducted in Tanzania: Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru & Kisumu, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Musoma, Tanga (May 2013)  

Data analysis (June 2013)  Country Report draft to be presented

at NRG-II (June 2013)  Review of draft report (July 2013)  Preparation of policy brief (August

2013)   6

Territorial Training Meetings (TTM)Planning TTM + NRG-II (August 2013)

Start: (Mid-September): Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Musoma, Tanga.

NRG-II conducted afternoon session in Nairobi & Dar es Salaam only

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Agenda for territorial meetingsissues of electricity regulation/ reforms and avenues

for consumer consultationthe role of Consumers in the Regulationconsumer views on opportunities and challenges for

engagement in electricity regulation process

NRG Agenda (TT): Presentation of research findingsTraining on policy advocacy skills and strategies Validation of draft country research reports;Discussion of draft policy brief

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Grassroots Interface Meetings (GIM): Nairobi , Kisumu Nakuru, Mombasa. Dar, Mwanza,

Musoma, Tanga

Eight grassroots interface meetings in each country,

Two GIM organized per week for 4 weeks.

Objectives:Training on role of consumers in electricity reforms

and redress mechanisms

Dissemination of Country Research Report findings

Advocacy skills training 9

National Policy Forum Kenya: Nairobi

Dissemination findings and policy recommendations

Presenting advocacy document to policy makers & regulators on impacts of regulatory reforms in electricity sector on the consumers

Media awareness raising on issues involved 10

Expected Project Outcomes: Enhanced awareness and understanding on

electricity regulation processes & reforms.Better comprehension by CSOs on policy

issues on electricity reforms.Enhanced understanding by policymakers &

regulators on consumer’s needs and demands.

Establishment of a mechanism of communication between consumers, policy makers, regulator and distribution companies to discuss electricity reforms.

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Major ChallengesActivities are conducted within time limits

Constitution of a sound and active PAC/RG

Monitoring the project activities

Govt. and regulatory bodies provide the required support

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doa@cuts.orghttp://www.cuts-international.org/ARC/Nairobi/

Thank you