Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan President Salva Kiir has directed the Power Purchase Committee to implement reforms at Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) in a bid to ease consumer burdens.
The youngest nation’s average electricity cost is four times that of East African countries.
Business intelligence platform Statista indicates that South Sudan has one of the world’s lowest electricity access rates, with only 8.4% of its 13 million population having access to electricity.
The Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Themba Bhebhe, said one kilowatt per hour in South Sudan costs more than 40 cents, compared to about ten cents in the region.
According to him, the high cost of electricity makes it difficult for industries in the country to flourish and export goods.
“Apart from the supply, just the cost of energy in this country. From what I understand, the average price for energy tariff here in South Sudan is 42 cents per kilowatt hour,” he said on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the African Development Bank, in Juba this year.
According to the presidential press unit, Kiir received a comprehensive report from the Power Purchase Review Agreement Committee led by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Energy and Dams, Eng. Madhieu Acuil Mawien.
In his remark to the media, Eng. Mawien stated that: “The President had directed the committee to review and align the terms and conditions of the power agreement with the South Sudan electricity policy.”
The committee’s objective is to review the equity structure, shareholding entitlements, and policies established between the government and Ezra Construction and Development Group, specifically their ownership stake in JEDCO.
“The committee commended several key recommendations, including the reduction of tariffs, a review of the structure for power distribution through JEDCO, and an agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Dams,” he added.
Mr Mawien clarified that the committee’s mandate is to consult with the parties, ensure a sustainable and affordable power supply and safeguard national interests by ensuring adequate power supply to the Ten States and Three Administrative Areas.
The committee was tasked with reviewing the power purchase agreement between the government and Ezra Construction and Development Group.
Last year, Central Equatoria Business Union (CEBU) called on the government to review and reduce power tariffs to enhance investment.
According to reports, EZRA Construction & Development Group (ECGD), a foreign business, owns 52% of the shares, while South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) owns 48%.
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