USAID SOUTHERN AFRICA ENERGY PROGRAM REGIONAL PROFILE

The program focuses on regional cooperation to ensure power can move freely and securely across borders. Efficient transmission systems are essential for greater volumes of electricity to be traded at reduced costs to governments and consumers. SAEP has developed a generic production optimization tool for Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) member utilities, training around 50 representatives from six utilities on using the tool. The tool supports utilities with short- and medium-term demand forecasting and production optimization, enhancing cross-border trade. SAEP also collaborated with SAPP to increase the role of independent power producers (IPPs) in regional trading volumes. Access guidelines for potential new members and IPPs were drafted to improve understanding of SAPP operations, governance, rules, benefits, and obligations. Regional power integration involves connecting separate power systems and constructing additional grid infrastructure, namely interconnectors. SAEP supported SAPP to develop innovative financing structures to bring new transmission infrastructure and interconnectors to financial close. The Mozambique-Malawi transmission interconnector project will connect Malawi to the regional grid and make it an operating member of the SAPP. SAEP trained 98 ESCOM technicians on safely operating and maintaining a higher-voltage grid and exposed four engineers to the workings of the SAPP trading market. SAEP has also supported the Regional Electricity Regulators Association (RERA) in executing four annual conferences, connecting member regulators and widening participants' knowledge of selected aspects of energy regulation. SAEP helped develop the agendas, presented topic-specific sessions, and facilitated discussions. Additionally, SAEP collaborated with RERA to develop and deploy e-learning modules on regulatory governance and regulatory impact assessment to improve the skills of member regulators. The Namibia's Electricity Control Board has rolled out the regulatory governance e-learning module to its regulation staff members. SAEP has also supported the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) in developing its operating guidelines. SAEP facilitated sessions with stakeholders to get input on the design and development of the guidelines, conducted a documentation review to draw on leading practices, and developed a framework for drafting the guidelines. In September 2019, SACREEE endorsed the final draft guidelines. Furthermore, SAEP has published several knowledge products on topics such as power procurement, utility performance management, and off-grid energy access, bringing together information and innovative approaches developed through the SAEP's activities in Southern Africa.