3- Day Conference
The African School of Regulation hosted an international three-day conference examining the challenges and opportunities of electricity retailing in Africa, with a focus on how distributors could support electricity demand growth and community development.
The discussion explored business models that extend beyond electricity supply, including appliance sales and involvement in productive activities, and considered their implications for distributors’ regulated responsibilities.
Context
Electricity retailing in Africa has traditionally been undertaken by distribution network owners operating as monopolies. In rural areas, low electricity demand can undermine the financial sustainability of distribution businesses.
Additional commercial activities could help stimulate electricity use and support local economic development. However, these models raise questions about the role of distributors and the safeguards needed to protect their regulated activities.
Key discussion areas
- The electricity retailing landscape in Africa and emerging opportunities for distributors.
- Business models that support residential demand, productive uses and community uses of electricity.
- Whether distributors should be incentivised or required to promote demand growth.
- Regulatory safeguards to manage the risks of combining commercial and regulated activities.
Webinar resources
Visit the event page for further information and available webinar materials.
