Semi-Annual Performance Monitoring Report: Energy Utility Partnership Program (EUPP)

The program aims to increase sustainable modern energy services and clean energy production in developing countries through volunteer-driven partnerships that mobilize overseas utilities to better address energy service priorities, while improving productivity and quality of service. The EUPP has established several bilateral utility partnerships, including the Ethiopia Distribution Partnership, Rwanda Energy Partnership, Tanzania Capacity Building Partnership, Kenya Partnership, Senegal Wind Integration Partnership, Kenya Geothermal Partnership, Uganda Energy Partnership, Colombia Energy Partnership, India Greening the Grid Partnership, Ethiopia Geothermal Partnership, and Honduras Partnership. These partnerships focus on sharing best practices and hands-on experience in areas such as energy distribution, capacity building, wind integration, and geothermal energy. Regional utility partnerships are also a key component of the EUPP, with a focus on advocating for cooperation among neighboring countries to transition towards improved regional energy integration and cross-border energy trade. Technical assistance initiatives are also being implemented to support USAID-assisted country utilities in overcoming barriers to efficient and effective management of electricity infrastructure. Training is another critical aspect of the EUPP, with a focus on identifying high-priority topics for in-person and online training. The program has also established a Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to provide recommendations for the selection of potential pilot programs and guidance on their implementation. Additionally, Utility-Corporate Partnerships are being formed to implement initiatives to share best practices in corporate renewable energy procurement. The EUPP has made significant progress in its first year, with the establishment of several partnerships and the implementation of various activities. The program has also begun to disseminate information on its activities and results through its website and social media campaigns. According to the cooperative agreement, USEA is submitting a comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period. The EUPP has contributed to USAID objectives by conducting activities such as organizing workshops and conferences, sponsoring delegates to attend these events, and submitting semi-annual performance monitoring reports. The program has also established a system for tracking and reporting on its activities and outcomes. In terms of specific accomplishments, the EUPP has established 11 energy utility partnerships, including the continuation of several existing partnerships. The program has also conducted a project management workshop in Senegal, which focused on enhancing the capacity of Senelec for effective and efficient project management. The workshop was a follow-on to a previous workshop on the fundamentals of project management and covered topics such as best practices in project management, risk management, procurement, change orders, and claims management. Overall, the EUPP is making significant progress in its efforts to increase sustainable modern energy services and clean energy production in developing countries. The program's focus on partnerships, technical assistance, and training is helping to build the capacity of overseas utilities and support the transition towards improved regional energy integration and cross-border energy trade.