The Autorité de Régulation du Secteur de l'Électricité (ARE) in the Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced a new online platform to handle complaints from consumers and operators in the electricity sector. The platform, accessible at https://regulation.are-app.cloud, was launched on October 5 in Kinshasa. This move aims to modernize the dispute resolution process and improve transparency. The platform allows users to register complaints, track their progress, and interact with the regulatory body during the process.
The new platform is part of the ARE's efforts to enhance its services and address the needs of consumers and operators. According to Marco Kuyu, Deputy Director-General of ARE, the platform is a significant step in digitalizing the institution's procedures. He noted that the ARE has had a consumer cell for five years, but the new platform provides a faster and more traceable system for handling complaints. The platform covers disputes between operators and complaints from users against their electricity service providers.
The ARE has also signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Cellule d'Analyse des Indicateurs de Développement (CAID), the Mwangaza network, and the Association Congolaise pour les Énergies Renouvelables et Décentralisées (ACERD). These partnerships aim to strengthen collaborations and improve access to electricity and water. The ARE's Director-General, Soraya Aziz-Moto, emphasized the importance of mutualizing resources and limiting expenses to achieve these goals.
The launch of the platform coincides with the presentation of the ARE's performance results for its first 100 days under the new administration. The results, presented in a booklet of accountability, highlight a portfolio of energy projects valued at over $2.3 billion, with a projected additional capacity of 2,684.838 MW. During this period, the ARE examined 45 projects, handled 12 tariff cases, and issued 18 favorable opinions.
The ARE's new administration, led by Soraya Aziz-Moto, has made significant progress in its first 100 days. The institution delivered around 40 favorable opinions and certificates of conformity to operators, while taking charge of 17 contentious cases, including several consumer complaints. Aziz-Moto attributed this progress to a methodical reorganization of the institution, which has set the stage for future improvements.
The ARE's efforts to improve its services and engage with stakeholders are ongoing. The institution plans to collaborate with the University of Kinshasa and other partners to enhance research and development. Additionally, the ARE will continue to work with other entities, such as the ANSER, Régideso, and DGRAD, to achieve its goals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's electricity sector is poised for improvement with the ARE's new online complaints platform and strengthened partnerships. The platform is expected to increase transparency and efficiency in handling complaints, while the partnerships will contribute to expanding access to electricity and water.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's electricity regulator, ARE, has launched an online platform for consumers and operators to file and track complaints.
- The platform aims to modernize the dispute resolution process and improve transparency in the electricity sector.
- The ARE has also signed partnerships with various entities to strengthen collaborations and improve access to electricity and water.
