In a bid to streamline the installation and supply of power in Uganda, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has unveiled the Consumer Protection and Installation Permits Center (CPIPC), which shall be the main interface between the Authority and electricity consumers in all categories of consumption i.e domestic, commercial, medium industrial, large industrial, extra-large industrial and street lighting.
Located at Old ERA House, Plot 15 Shimoni Road, Nakasero Hill, the facility was officially unveiled on Thursday October 13th, 2022, by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, who officiated over the function as chief guest.
Hon. Nankabirwa was received by ERA bosses to the colourful event
According to Dr. Sarah Kanaabi Wasagali, the ERA Board of Directors Chairperson, this Centre will also be the main interface between the Installations Permit Committee (IPC), the installation wire persons, and ERA as a regulator.
Dr. Kanaabi noted that ERA has since rolled out a process of establishing a Regional Coordination Office at the this Centre in a bid to strengthen the supervision of licensed companies and extend services to consumers.
She also pledged the Authority’s resolve to guarantee that the electricity sub sector shall effectively support the implementation of government programs to in a bid to promote the social economic transformation of Uganda.
“The focus of ERA for the electricity sub sector is the delivery of quality and reliable power supply, making electricity services affordable and accelerate access to electricity,” Kanaabi noted.
Minister Nankabirwa, (M) ERA CEO on the left and the ERA Board Chairman (R) launching the Consumer Protection and Installation Permits Center at Old ERA House Plot 15 Shimoni Road, Nakasero Hill in Kampala
She also pointed out the fact that in a bid to further entrench their footing in the energy sub sector, ERA has since submitted a bid to host the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the East African Power Pool.
“We are already competing, and we have made steps to host that regional body,” Kanaabi said.
A regional institution established in 2005 to coordinate bilateral power trade as the East African region, the IRB mainly focuses on the completion of the critical regional interconnection among countries in the East African Community.
Kanaabi emphasized that hosting the IRB will benefit Uganda through enabling the country to attain greater influence in the region, with an objective of steering the agenda of establishing the regional power pool.
It should be noted that the IPC is a committee of ERA established by statutory instrument mandated to, among other duties, regulate the activities of the installation wire persons and issue the installation permits to ensure safety and conformity to regulations.
Min. Nankabirwa with REA Officials
Speaking at the function, Energy Minister Nankabirwa thanked ERA for this great development, saying that the Centre will help solve the burden of answering to endless complaints to consumers who think that because she is the minister for energy, she is in position to attend to their complaints and queries.
Hon. Nankabirwa said that; “An elderly lady from Makindye comes to my office seeking help. Then I have to look through her papers to know which office is responsible. I am happy that some load has been put off my shoulder. Therefore, it is the Consumer Protection and Installation Permits Center to handle all that.”
She added that; “We are operating at a high cost because everything we use in the sector is bought using dollars. I thus urge our Public Relations people to give this critical information to consumers so as to save them from high blood pressure. This is because when you get acquainted with the global trend then you will be praying for the world to stabilize, because our sector is in a tight corner.”
Energy Minister, Minister Ruth Nankabirwa giving her speech
It should be noted that ERA, which recently celebrated its 22nd anniversary, was in September this year recognized by the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda and ranked in the corporate governance awards, as an entity with the best corporate governance practices in Uganda, which pre-qualifies the Authority to host the East African Power Pool.
Minister Nankabirwa commended ERA on this move, saying that Uganda fully pre-qualifies to host the Secretariat for East African Power Pool.
“Hosting the Secretariat for East African Power Pool, Uganda qualifies. What will others say? Uganda Electricity Regulatory Authority has been ranked…. That is qualification number one. Tell them that we are ready, and we are open to help others also,” Nakabirwa noted.
Speaking at the same function, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the ERA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), thanked minister Nankabirwa for always prioritizing the electricity supply industry through her policy guidance.
She said the Electricity Consumer Protection and Installation Permit Committee Service Center will be a point of reference between ERA & consumers in the domestic, commercial, medium Industrial customers, large industrial & extra-large industrial customers.
Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the ERA Chief Executive Officer
“This ERA house will also house the installation permits centre. This function relates to ERA’s mandate enlisted under section 88 of the Electricity Act which provides for the certification of qualified electricians to conduct electrical installations,” She said.
