Electric Grid Codes Near Completion

Dec 19 , 2021


The Ethiopian Energy Authority has finalised the drafts for codes that govern and set standards for electric transmission and distribution grids. There has never been a formal code to governs all players in the energy sector while Ethiopian Electric Power and Ethiopian Electric Utility have been using their own codes. The codes are in place to attain a similar standard of operation, prevent system interruptions and meet sub-continental power interconnection standards when private operators are to enter the market. Among dozens of standards that operators have to meet is the amount of planned or unplanned system outages they can incur. The code also sets operational standards for renewable power generation specifically for wind turbine generating plants and solar power generating plants. In the transmission code, it is stated a transmission system operator will be established to oversee electric transmission operations. Ethiopia produces 4,000mw of electricity, through hydropower, wind and biomass sources, with 20pc of the power wasted due to faulty distribution. The code has been sent to the Ministry of Justice and awaits Amharic translation to move on to the approval process.


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