ENHANCING CONSUMER PARTICIPATION IN REGULATORY REFORMS IN ELECTRICITY SECTOR:INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER CONSUMERS FOR INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN ELECTRICITY SECTOR DANIEL ASHER, CUTS NAIROBI

Presentation Outline The Project Goals and Objective Target Beneficiaries What Project intends to do Issues Project will Not cover Activities Outcome Major Expected Challenges 2

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 do Train 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 4

Issues the project will not cover Individual consumer grievances except systematic issues Rural Electrification and power availability issues Subsidy or cross subsidy issues Environmental and social Issues 5

Activities Literature 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 7

Agenda for territorial meetings issues of electricity regulation/ reforms and avenues for consumer consultation the role of Consumers in the Regulation consumer views on opportunities and challenges for engagement in electricity regulation process NRG Agenda (TT): Presentation of research findings Training on policy advocacy skills and strategies Validation of draft country research reports; Discussion of draft policy brief 8

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. 11

12 Major Challenges Activities 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

13 Thank you