AER to reassess power firms

MUSCAT: The Authority for Electricity Regulatory (AER) has announced that it will conduct an assessment of the electricity companies concerned with network protection services following a series of power outages.

Vector Power Solutions has been selected for the appraisal, its task will be to determine whether or not companies have the capacity and technical resources to successfully carry out power protection.

The first such appraisal conducted in 2013 showed that no company was able to meet the standards required. Consequently, a set of recommendations were issued to upgrade the capacities of these companies and their contractors. Subsequent appraisals conducted in 2015 and 2016 showed that the sector achieved a notable progress by introducing a number of improvements including capacity building programmes for the employees and adopting best operational operating practices.

On the other side, the report revealed the need for more improvements in the technical side. The report also showed that three power companies have failed to meet technical standards.

Ibrahim al Harthi, Director of Technical Regulation, said the publication of such a report ensures the principle of transparency and highlights the progress that has been achieved in the power network protection field and prevents the repetition of power outages. The report is also aimed at acquainting both subscribers and employees about ongoing work with regard to network protection.