Quarterly Report, 1st Quarter 2009: The Energy Capacity Initiative

The project began in 2008 with a focus on policy analysis and dialogue. However, due to the Prime Minister's directive that the Government of Georgia (GoG) does not want recommendations on policy issues from donors or donor-funded projects, the project was partially redirected. The project's name was changed from the Energy Policy and Management Initiative to the Energy Capacity Initiative (ECI) in August 2008. The project's work plan was revised to reflect the change in project direction. A revised Year One Work Plan was submitted to USAID on August 29, 2008, and a draft Year Two Work Plan was submitted on March 18, 2009. The Year Two Work Plan reflects the impacts of the Prime Minister's direction on policy support and the conflict with Russia on the objectives and tasking of the ECI project. The project's performance monitoring plan (PMP) was submitted to USAID on June 11, 2008, and was revised to align with the Year Two Work Plan. The PMP is used to track the project's progress and identify areas for improvement. The project's branding implementation and marking plan was submitted to USAID for approval on June 13, 2008, and was revised to reflect the changed name of the project. The plan outlines the project's branding and marking requirements, including the use of the USAID Graphics Standards Manual. The project's public outreach efforts include the development of a website, www.aeai.ge, which provides information on the project and its activities. The website includes a description of the Energy Scholarship Program and downloadable application packages. The project's personnel have undergone changes, with Mr. Watkins being replaced as the Chief of Party (COP) by Mr. Charles A. Burge in December 2008. The project has also increased the participation of Ms. Uzicanin due to the GoG's decision to proceed to Membership status in the Energy Community. Task 1: Policy Analysis and Dialogue is a key component of the project. Sub-task 1.1, Independent Policy Analysis through Grants, was initiated in the early part of the third quarter with a briefing for prospective grants applicants on July 3, 2008. The project has identified universities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and think tanks that may be eligible for grants. The project's financial overview for the first quarter of 2009 shows a total expenditure of $X, with $Y allocated for personnel and $Z allocated for other expenses. The project's financial situation is stable, with sufficient funds available to support its activities. The project's travel plans for the coming quarter include a trip by Ms. Uzicanin to Georgia to address the additional support requirements needed in the area of the GoG's decision to proceed to Membership status in the Energy Community. The project also anticipates the need for additional short-term support in the second and third quarters of 2009 to adequately prepare the GoG for negotiations with the EC Secretariat.