Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Regulatory and Energy Assistance Project (REAP)

This involves assisting the FBiH Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry in developing the Electricity Law, which is currently undergoing parliamentary procedure. The proposed law includes provisions that will allow for the opening of the electricity competitive market on January 1, 2015, for all customers. This will enable customers to choose their supplier, and the price of electricity will reflect real costs of generation, harmonized with the European concept. The FBiH Government will be responsible for protecting vulnerable categories, including women, who are particularly vulnerable in society. The project aims to ensure that BiH meets the prerequisites for the smooth opening and functioning of the electricity market. A good law on electricity is a critical precondition, and the Federation Parliament Women's Caucus is expected to play a key role in demanding that the Government develop a vulnerable customers program. The project will provide impartial and expert advice to help the caucus members in their work. BiH and its entities have made some progress in meeting the prerequisites for the electricity market, but much more remains to be done. The country has committed to transposing key directives in the energy sector into its legislation, including directives for gas, electricity, energy efficiency, oil, security of supply, and environmental protection. The implementation of these directives is crucial for assessing BiH's progress in the European integration process and for creating conditions that make the energy sector attractive to serious investors. The USAID REAP project is one of two projects implemented by Advanced Engineering Associates International, Inc. The other project, Energy Efficiency Economy (3E), aims to promote energy efficiency through technology development and implementation of energy efficiency pilot projects in buildings. The goal is to spread awareness of the possibilities for energy savings in BiH.