Power
Power sub-sector Objectives
The following are the key objectives of the Power sub-sector:
- Cooperation on power sector issues of regional interest
- Development of regional interconnections
- Joint development of power projects for regional benefit
- Development of regional power market
- Exchange of technical and strategic information
Power sub-sector Initiatives
- East African Power Master Plan
- Collaboration and Partnerships with Regional Organisations working in the Power sub-sector to foster regional power trade
- Cross-Border Electrification Programme
1. East African Power Master Plan
The East African Power Master Plan is a strategic least cost power development plan for the East African Community. It identifies a least cost generation and transmission expansion plan to meet the region’s growing power demand from 2013 to 2038. The Master Plan addresses technical requirements and economic viability, taking into consideration the generation resources available in the region and opportunities for power exchange among EAC Partner States as well as power exchange with other regions.
An Interconnection Code developed with the Master Plan guides design and operation of electricity interconnections in the Region. The Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) has developed a gap analysis tool to assist member power utilities assess their compliance to the Interconnection Code. All power utilities in the EAC are members of EAPP and are working closely to be fully compliant to the interconnection code in readiness for regional power trade when the regions becomes fully interconnected by the end of 2017.
2. Regional Collaboration in Power sub-sector Projects
The EAC works closely with other regional organisations in promoting regional projects and programmes. The organisations have agreed to collectively promote projects in common geographical area with each organisation taking a lead in promoting the project that it is best placed to promote. The projects are focused on the establishment of transmission lines that will result in complete interconnection of the region in order to facilitate a vibrant regional power trade.
In this regard, the EAC energy department works closely with the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme, the Eastern Africa Power Pool, the Energy for Great Lakes and neighbouring Regional Economic Communities in collaboration with development partners.
3. Cross-Border Electrification Programme
In its efforts to increase access in a cost effective manner, the EAC has developed a cross-border electrification programme that enables border centres to access electricity from the nearest grid. This programme enables border towns to connect from the neighbouring Partner State at distribution voltage when it is more economical than connecting with the grid within its own country.
The EAC Cross-Border Electrification Policy governs the implementation of this programme as well as development of shared renewable energy resources such as small hydro power projects. To further facilitate expeditious conclusion of cross-border electrification contracts between power utilities, a Model Power Supply Agreement template has been adopted.