Energy Minister Inaugurates Electricity Market Oversight Panel

Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has inaugurated an eleven member Electricity Market Oversight Panel(EMOP) with a call on them to execute their mandate effectively to restore confidence in the power sector in order to attract the needed investments.

" I wish to task the EMOP to prioritize the optimization of the fast depleting hydro resources of the country, ensure the finalization of the various manuals and other governance documents of the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM) and work hard to restore confidence in the power sector of Ghana to attract the needed investment," he said.

The Panel, which is chaired by Mr Michael Opam has the mandate to monitor the general performance of the market administration functions of the Utility, ensure the smooth operation of the wholesale electricity market, review the operations of the wholesale electricity market and studies related to the development of the market as well as review procedures,manuals and electricity market rules for the operation of the wholesale market.

It is also expected to monitor pre-dispatch schedules, resolve disputes referred to it by market participants in respect of transactions in the wholesale electricity market, ensure effective and consistent application by the Utility of the rules and standards of the wholesale electricity market, ensure the long term optimization of hydro electricity supply sources in the country, make appropriate recommendations to the Commission in respect of the Panel's functions and perform any other function conferred on it by the Commission.

Mr Boakye Agyarko noted that the inauguration of the panel is in line with the recommendations by the Electricity Regulations 2008(LI 1931).

He explained that "members EMOP as per regulation 19(1) shall hold offices for a term not exceeding 3 years per, term up to a maximum of 2 terms."

The Energy Minister the inauguration of the Panel gives credence to the commitment of government to build a robust and competitive power sector.

The members of the committee are Mr Jonathan Amoako Baah; CEO of GRIDco, Maami Ofori-Dufie; Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Albert Ofosu Ahenkorah; Executive Secretary of Energy Commission and Mr Mark Baah; Head of Systems Operation at GRIDco.

The rest are Ebenezer Baiden, Samuel K. Desouza, Nana Osae Nyampong VI, Abubakra Obuama Addy, William Amuna and Eric Kyem.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

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