OUR ROLE

The Utilities Regulatory Authority Act No. 11 of 2007 states that the URA's primary objective is to regulate utilities to ensure the provision of safe, reliable and affordable electricity services throughout Vanuatu.

The Authority also aims to increase access to electricity and promote consumers' long-term interests.

The URA's role generally involves regulating prices and services standards, and monitoring market conduct in the electricity sector.

It also investigates and advises the Government on regulatory matters that affect Vanuatu's electricity utilities.

Industry-specific legislation and agreements also affect the Authority's work, such as the Electricity Supply Act [CAP. 65], Concession Agreements for the town of Port Vila, and Tanna and Malekula islands. For a complete and updated list, please consult the Government of Vanuatu's website.

The URA Act enables the Authority to exercise the rights assigned to it in managing contracts between the Government and the regulated utilities. This enables the Authority to issue any penalties that are associated with such contractual agreements.

OUR REPORTS

The Authority has publicly issued several reports and papers:

- Electricity Tariff Review (2009-2011)

Framework Paper April 2009

Tariff Application Report March 2010

Position Paper March 2010

Final Decision March 2010

Arbitration Award Letter

- Luganville Electricity Tariff Setting

UNELCO started operating the power supply concession in Luganville on 23 January 1990. The 20-year concession expired on 31 December, 2010. The tender process ended on 19 November with the appointment of Pernix Group, Inc. Its subsidiary Vanuatu Utilities and Infrastructure Limited (VUI) started operating the concession on 1 January 2011.The Act empowers the Authority to set the maximum level of tariff for the Luganville concession.

 Framework Paper July 2010

 Final Determination Stage 1 August 2010

 Draft Determination Stage 2 June 2011

- Electricity Safety Standards (2011)

- Electricity Reliability Standards (2011)

- Electricity Prepayment Meter System (2009-2013)

According to the Utilities Regulatory Authority Act No 11 of 2007 the Authority is responsible for approving metering apparatus for measuring and controlling energy delivered to consumers. In April 2009, UNELCO requested that the Authority consider and approve the implementation of a prepayment meter trial within the Port Vila concession area. The Authority published its Prepayment Meter Technology Trial Review Issues Paper in June 2009. It set out specific issues and requirements for a prepayment meter technology trial on which stakeholders were invited to comment. The utility commenced implementation of a trial project at Mele Maat by January 2010. In September 2010 UNELCO provided the Authority a report on the prepayment meter technology trial setting out its assessment and findings. The Authority has conducted a series of consultations and considered stakeholder’s comments before issuing its draft decision. It is currently in talks with the utility to complete the final decision.

 Prepayment Meter Technology Trial Review Issues Paper April 2009

 Position Paper March 2012

 Draft Decision August 2012

 Revised Draft Decision June 2013

 Final Decision August 2013

 Prepayment Meter Consultation Stage 4 Report August 2013

- Extension of Electricity Grid in Tanna and Malekula Concessions Independent Review and Assessment of Project Proposals for the Government of Vanuatu (2011)

On 7 July 2011 the Director General of the Ministry of Lands Geology Mines and Water Resources requested that the Authority review and assess the project proposals for the extension of electricity grids in Tanna and Malekula concessions. This paper sets out the Authority’s findings and recommendations to the Government following its review and evaluation of the information that were provided.

- a performance report for the new utility operating in the Luganville concession (2011)

 VUI Performance Report July 2011

- an audit report (2010)