Nama holds panel discussion
MUSCAT: The Nama Group held a panel discussion on the Distribution Code Review Panel (DCRP) as part of the white papers discussion series organised by the group.
The discussion focused on the challenges that face DCRP, which regulates the distribution of electricity less than 132Kv (kilowatt) and coordinates with regulatory authorities and power companies, said a press release.
The discussion was hosted by Ali Shammas, chairman of the Distribution Code Review Panel and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dhofar Power Company, a member of Nama Group.
The white paper discussion participants included Hassan Abdawani, CEO of Voltamp Energy, Abdullah Al Busaidi, CEO of International Energy Company, Sultan Al Qatabi, manager of the DCRP and Yousef Al Mahrouqi, senior project manager, Muscat Electricity Distribution Company, a member of Nama Group.
Shamas opened the white paper discussion with a presentation about DCRP. Mayank Singh, OER group editor, invited the participants to start the discussion, which covered several points, such as the role of DCRP to ensure consumers’ rights and safety, the need to review Oman’s electrical standards to align with the current and future changes and development in the electricity sector. Furthermore, the panel highlighted and discussed the challenges that face existing and new companies in registering with the DCRP to obtain the needed licenses and also the requirements of the electricity distribution companies for newly registered suppliers, contractors and consultants.
At the end of the workshop, participants highlighted the important role of DCRP in supporting Omani SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the field of electricity and how to enhance its services to serve this purpose.
DCRP was established pursuant to article 90 of Royal Decree 78/2004 of the law for the regulation and privatisation of the electricity and related water sector. The panel is governed by a constitution that defines its scope, membership, duties and rules of conduct and operation as approved by the Authority for Electricity Regulations. The main role of this panel is to review the distribution code of the electricity system less than 132 KV by coordinating between the licensed distributors of electricity in Oman, the Authority for electricity regulations and other companies that are part of the electricity sector.