The Council of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) approved, at its sixth session, the Code of the National Electricity Transport Network (CRENT), which will come into force on January 3, 2022.
The CRENT was established by the Manager of the National Transmission System (GRT) and submitted for approval to the ANRE, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 48-15 establishing the Authority and relating to regulation of the electricity sector, indicates the ANRE in a presentation note relating to this CRENT.
Said code fixes, in a non-discriminatory manner, the technical prescriptions concerning the connection and the access to the national electricity transmission network, including the interconnections, specifies the ANRE.
“The Code, as a new essential milestone on the path traced by the High Directives of HM King Mohammed VI for the success of the energy transition of our country, will also rule on the rules concerning the planning and operation of said network as well as on the modalities of data exchange and collaboration between the TSO and all network users “, underlines the same source.
As such, ANRE has favored the participatory approach through the establishment of working groups with the TSO and the organization of hearings of public and private actors in the electricity sector, in particular, private producers, the Federation of Energy, the Directorate of Local Public Networks of the Ministry of the Interior, and a collection of opinions on its website.
Throughout this process, the press release continued, the ANRE maintained close contact with the TSO in order to take into account the comments and suggestions of users of the electricity transmission network and thus achieve a balance guaranteeing the interests of the operators. different public and private stakeholders and the need to preserve the viability and sustainability of the national electricity system.
“The CRENT has an evolving character. The CRENT will not fail, when the time comes, to take into account the lessons learned from its application in the field as well as future economic, legal and technological developments which might make its amendment essential, in perfect consultation. between ANRE, the TSO and the various parties concerned, ”says the same source.
In addition, the ANRE Council unanimously approved, during its fifth session held on November 9, 2021 in Laâyoune, the guiding principles for the accounting separation of the electricity transmission activity from all other ONEE activities and the guiding principles of the GRT’s Code of Conduct, drawn up in accordance with best practices commonly accepted at the international level to accelerate the implementation of these two projects.
Law n ° 48-15 relating to the regulation of the electricity sector and the creation of the ANRE aims to support the profound changes in the renewable energy sector, to increase its attractiveness for private investors, to ensure competition and transparency in the electricity sector, to strengthen the confidence of donors, investors and industrial players and to facilitate Morocco’s integration into the Euro-Mediterranean and West African energy markets.
From the entry into force of Law 48-15 on April 22, 2021, ANRE ensured the launch of priority projects relating to its mission, with a view to ensuring the deployment of transparent, impartial regulation. and independent from the electricity sector in favor of a controlled transition.
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Analysis of the National Electricity Transport Network Code (CRENT) Approval
The recent approval of the Code of the National Electricity Transport Network (CRENT) by the Council of the National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE) is a significant milestone in the regulation of the electricity sector. As a renowned blog news writer, I have analyzed the news article to provide an in-depth understanding of the CRENT and its implications.
What is the CRENT?
The CRENT is a code that establishes technical prescriptions for connecting to and accessing the national electricity transmission network, including interconnections. This code was established by the Manager of the National Transmission System (GRT) and submitted to the ANRE for approval. The CRENT is a vital document that ensures non-discriminatory access to the national electricity transmission network.
Impact of the CRENT
The CRENT will play a crucial role in regulating the planning and operation of the national electricity transmission network. It will also govern the modalities of data exchange and collaboration between the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and all network users. This code is expected to promote transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in the electricity sector.
Key Features of the CRENT
The CRENT has been designed to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders in the electricity sector. Some of its key features include:
- Non-discriminatory access: The CRENT ensures that all users have equal access to the national electricity transmission network, without any undue preferences or restrictions.
- Technical prescriptions: The code establishes technical standards for connecting to and accessing the national electricity transmission network.
- Planning and operation: The CRENT governs the planning and operation of the national electricity transmission network, ensuring that it is efficient and effective.
- Data exchange and collaboration: The code establishes modalities for data exchange and collaboration between the TSO and all network users.
Similarity with International Best Practices
The CRENT is similar to international best practices in the regulation of electricity transmission networks. For example, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) of Bhutan has also established guidelines for the regulation of electricity transmission networks [[2]]. Similarly, the European Union has established EU-wide network codes for electricity, which contribute to making energy more secure, competitive, and affordable for consumers [[3]].
Conclusion
the approval of the CRENT by the ANRE is a significant step towards regulating the electricity sector in a fair and transparent manner. The code is expected to promote efficiency, competitiveness, and transparency in the electricity sector. As a prominent blog news writer, I recommend that regulatory authorities in other countries consider adopting similar codes to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders in the electricity sector.