Utilities

With Oman’s economic development plan focused on further industrial expansion, and with the sultanate’s population growing, Oman’s utilities sector is looking to keep pace with growing demand. Market reforms stretching back almost two decades have ensured the power sector is well positioned to deal with this higher demand, ramping up production in line with growth. Current priorities for the sector include completing an ambitious waste management investment program, encouraging the growth of renewable energy and further honing the regulatory environment. Indeed, a number of significant regulatory changes are set to come into effect over the next two years, foremost of which is the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs for large-scale, non-residential consumers, due to enter into force in January 2016. This chapter contains an interview with Qais Saud Al Zakwani, Executive Director, Authority for Electricity Regulation.