Regulator censures Mazoon Elec over Samayil outage
not see the affected 11 kv network in the SCADA System and single line diagrams were not available in the system. Supplies could have been restored within a shorter span of time if a more planned and structured approach had been followed for restoration.
Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, Executive Director of the Authority, said: “The Authority concluded that Mazoon Electricity Company allowed their safety rules to be broken without comment or intervention, and were content to allow their staff to carry out the work without giving any sufficient information required to do their job safely and efficiently. It is evident from the results of the investigation that the management of the incident was ineffective and won’t prevent a reoccurrence of a similar incident in the future.”
As part of the investigation, the Authority reviewed the emergency plans and procedures of MZEC including the customer services communication especially during outages. In addition, the reasons for the interruptions were analysed, and the Authority expects a systematic approach to be adopted when dealing with outages which is contrary to what was applied during this incident. It was evident that the Company adopted a haphazard approach when dealing with this incident. The results of the investigation has concluded that the company’s handling of this incident was unacceptable in every aspect, with only the Call Centre team showing any understanding of what customers should expect when affected by an unplanned outage. This incident identified significant deficiencies in certain technical and the customer service aspects.
The Authority asserts that the purpose of investigations into frequent and extended interruptions is to assess the company’s response and address any deficiencies that become evident.
The Authority submitted a copy of the final report to the company, which agreed with the investigation results and recommendations. The Authority has asked the Mazoon Electricity Company management to address failings identified in the investigation report within 3 months. The company has confirmed its commitment to implement all recommendations and failure to implement them within the specified time will necessitate the Authority to take further regulatory enforcement action against the company in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework.”
A copy of the investigation report is available at www.aer-oman.org
The Oman American Business Center (OABC) in collaboration with Ernst and Young (EY) will be hosting a Value Added Tax (VAT) Seminar to discuss the changes in the tax law and help prepare companies to be Vatready. To be held on September 10 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Muscat, the session is open to the public including residents, business people and SME owners. The seminar will provide attendees with helpful insight, information and answers to key questions.
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