Consultant to study regulatory framework for electric vehicles in Oman
LANDMARK MOVE: AER prepares groundwork for operation of eco-friendly cars in Sultanate
Seeking to prepare the Sultanate for the advent of Electric Vehicles (EV), the Authority for Electricity Regulation Oman (AER) is inviting international consultants to participate in a competitive tender for advisory services linked to the development of a regulatory framework necessary to support the growth of this eco-friendly mode of transportation in Oman.
The initiative is a key part of a broader strategy by the Omani government to support a transition to sustainable energy sources, not only for electricity generation, but other usages as well.
The formulation of a regulation framework governing the introduction of EVS in the Sultanate is one several objectives listed by the Authority for initiation / implementation under its Forward Work Plan for 2018.
In the Forward Work Plan, the Authority announced its intention “to carry out a review of international best practice in relation to the regulatory framework to support the introduction of Electric Vehicles (EV — meaning both fully battery operated and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) including, but not limited to potential capital costs from development of public EV recharge stations, network and connection issues, safety issues, metering costs and the required licence and Code modifications.”
The scope of this objective has since been broadened to include “potential impacts on tariff subsidies and consideration of pricing signals designed to encourage efficient use of electricity”.
“As an initial step, the Authority wishes to retain experienced consulting advisers to undertake a high-level review of international best practice and to assess the extent to which those approaches could be adapted, given the specific circumstances in Oman. This initial work will make specific recommendations for steps that the Authority should consider immediately to facilitate the use of Electric Vehicles in Oman, together with broader recommendations for future studies,” the regulator said in a backgrounder accompanying its tender announcement.