The Democratic Republic of Congo's Autorité de régulation du secteur de l'électricité (ARE) has launched a digital platform for managing complaints in the electricity sector. The platform, presented on October 5, 2026, in Kinshasa, allows consumers and operators to submit and track complaints online. According to the ARE, the platform aims to modernize the resolution of disputes and improve transparency in the sector.
The digital platform is accessible at https://regulation.are-app.cloud and allows users to register their complaints, track their progress, and interact with the ARE during the treatment process. The initiative aims to accelerate the handling of cases and improve the quality of service provided to consumers. The platform covers disputes between operators and complaints from users against their electricity service providers.
The launch of the platform is part of the ARE's efforts to digitalize its procedures and improve the regulation of the electricity sector. According to Marco Kuyu, the Deputy Director-General of the ARE, the platform is a new step in the digitalization of the institution's procedures. He emphasized that the experience acquired over the past five years has shown the need for a faster and more traceable system.
The ARE has had a consumer cell for five years, but the new platform is designed to provide a more efficient and transparent system for handling complaints. Kuyu explained that complaints from consumers and operators push the institution to improve its services. The platform will help to strengthen transparency and accelerate the handling of cases.
The launch of the platform was also an opportunity for the ARE to present the results of the first 100 days of management of the new administration. The results, presented in a booklet, highlight a portfolio of energy projects valued at over $2.3 billion, with a projected additional capacity of 2,684.838 MW. The ARE examined 45 projects, treated 12 tariff cases, and issued 18 favorable opinions during this period.
The ARE also delivered around 40 favorable opinions and conformity certificates to operators, while taking charge of 17 contentious cases, including several consumer complaints. The institution reported an acceleration in the treatment of regulatory cases. The presentation of results was attended by stakeholders and the Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity.
The launch of the digital complaints platform is part of the ARE's efforts to improve the regulation of the electricity sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The platform is expected to improve transparency and accelerate the handling of complaints from consumers and operators. The ARE's efforts to digitalize its procedures and improve its services are ongoing.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a digital platform for managing complaints in the electricity sector, allowing consumers and operators to submit and track complaints online.
- The platform aims to modernize the resolution of disputes and improve transparency in the sector.
- The ARE reported an acceleration in the treatment of regulatory cases, with 45 projects examined and 18 favorable opinions issued in the first 100 days of management.
