The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) has noted recent public statements and media reports calling for the suspension of the URA Chief Executive Officer in relation to an alleged investigation concerning Safety Order No. 02 of 2026.
The Authority considers it necessary to clarify the facts surrounding the matter, address inaccurate claims, and reassure the public that the URA has acted independently, within its statutory mandate, and in accordance with its regulatory responsibilities as set out in the URA Act.
Safety Order Issued in Response to Electricity Network Safety Concerns
Safety Order No. 02 of 2026 was issued by the URA on 1 June 2026 to a customer, following safety concerns raised by UNELCO regarding the export of electricity from a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation onto the concession grid.
The solar photovoltaic system had been installed by Energy4All.
Under the URA Standards for Solar PV Installations in Vanuatu, grid-connected solar systems are required to operate on a zero-export basis in circumstances where the concessionaire's electricity supply is intended to operate only as a standby source when solar generation is unavailable.
Following reports that electricity was being exported onto the grid, the URA engaged progressively with UNELCO and the customer concerned to investigate the matter and identify appropriate corrective measures. The URA therefore reiterates that Safety Order No. 02 of 2026 was not issued against the local renewable energy company. The Order was issued to the customer concerned.
URA Acted Within its Statutory Responsibilities
The URA is an independent statutory regulator responsible for regulating electricity services, establishing safety standards, conducting inspections and taking appropriate regulatory action where necessary to protect public safety, utility infrastructure and the integrity of regulated services.
The issuance of Safety Order No. 02 of 2026 falls squarely within these statutory responsibilities.
Where potential electricity safety or network risks are formally brought to the attention of the Authority, the URA has a responsibility to respond in a timely, proportionate, and appropriate manner.
The Authority has a legal obligation to act when legitimate safety concerns arise. Public and network safety cannot be compromised merely because a regulated party or other stakeholder disagrees with a regulatory decision.
Equipment Certification Does Not Automatically Establish Installation Compliance
The URA acknowledges that equipment installed as part of the solar photovoltaic system may carry certification under relevant Australian and New Zealand standards, including AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 and AS/NZS 4777.1:2024.
However, certification of individual products does not, on its own, establish that a particular installation, as configured and operated, complies with all applicable regulatory and network requirements.
The URA, together with the utility provider, assessed the circumstances of the installation and identified safety and compliance concerns arising from the system as installed and operated.
It is the responsibility of the regulator to ensure that electricity installations connected to regulated networks operate safely and in accordance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Prior Notice and Opportunity for Corrective Action were Provided
The URA rejects allegations that the Safety Order was issued without prior notice of the concerns or without an opportunity for the matter to be resolved.
Before the Safety Order was issued, the customer had received formal notice of the reported reinjection and associated safety concerns and was given time to address them.
When the reported safety and compliance concerns remained unresolved, the issue was then formally referred to the Authority.
The Authority then assessed the safety concerns raised and the relevant information available before issuing the Safety Order.
The Authority therefore considers that prior notice, engagement and an opportunity for corrective action were provided before regulatory intervention was taken, and that engagement continued after the Order was issued.
URA Remains Independent
The URA strongly rejects allegations that its regulatory decisions are influenced by commercial interests or that the Authority lacks competence or independence.
The URA is an independent statutory regulator established under the Utilities Regulatory Authority Act. Its regulatory decisions are based on technical, legal and regulatory considerations and are made in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.
The Authority's independence is fundamental to effective regulation and to maintaining public confidence in the electricity and water sectors.
Attempts to characterise a legitimate regulatory decision as misconduct, solely because an individual or organisation disagrees with that decision risk undermining the independence of the regulatory framework established by Parliament.
No Basis for Ministerial Suspension or Intervention in the Safety Order
The complaint that led to the recent public statements sought ministerial intervention to suspend or stay Safety Order No. 02 of 2026.
The URA's position remains that the issuance of safety orders is a statutory function vested in the Authority. Accordingly, the Safety Order remains legally valid and effective unless it is amended or revoked by the Authority or set aside through the appropriate statutory review or judicial process.
The Authority will not compromise its statutory responsibilities because of external pressure or public disagreement.
Matter Remains Open to Practical Resolution
Importantly, the URA has not closed the door to resolving the underlying technical issues.
Following issuance of the Safety Order, corrective works and technical verification were undertaken. Although the level of reported reinjection was significantly reduced, the verification results did not establish an agreed position among the parties that reliable zero-export operation had been achieved. Further technical work was therefore identified.
The Authority remains open to constructive engagement with the customer concerned, UNELCO and technical representatives to facilitate rectification of the identified safety concerns.
Once the necessary corrective actions have been completed, the installation will be reassessed for compliance. The Authority will then determine whether the Safety Order should be amended or revoked.
This demonstrates that the URA's objective is not punitive. Its primary objective is to ensure that electricity installations are safe, compliant and do not compromise the integrity of the electricity network.
URA Calls for Respect for Independent Regulation
The URA welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its decisions and remains accountable under the laws of Vanuatu. The Authority will continue to provide information and respond appropriately to legitimate regulatory, legal and public-interest inquiries.
However, regulatory decisions should be assessed on the evidence, applicable standards and law, not on political pressure or personal allegations against officers of the Authority.
The URA remains committed to carrying out its mandate professionally, independently and in the public interest.
The Authority's position remains clear: the safety of electricity consumers and electricity workers, public confidence, and the integrity of Vanuatu’s regulated electricity network must remain paramount.