Regulators from these emerging economies shared their experiences promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, and managing the politics associated with sustainable energy programmes.

The discussions explored how information sharing, stakeholder engagement, citizen participation, and accountability mechanisms can support decision making processes and successful programmes.

This high-level discussion was facilitated by Idasa (South Africa), the World Resources Institute (USA) and Prayas Energy Group (India), building on the Electricity Governance Initiative (EGI). This is an effort supported by REEEP and other organisations, designed to improve transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and capacity in policy and regulation of the electricity sector in support of a just transition to a sustainable energy future.

Forum participants included chairpersons of the Rajasthan and Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commissions in India, the Commission for Electricity Regulation in Mexico, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa

“There are few opportunities for regulators from rapidly growing developing countries to share experiences supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy” said Richard Calland, director of Idasa’s economic governance programme which coordinates the Electricity Governance Initiative in South Africa.

Richard Wood, Consul General for the British Consulate in Cape Town emphasised the critical role that regulators can play in supporting environmentally and socially sustainable development in the electricity sector.  “There are many benefits from the opportunities presented from a low carbon transition and regulators can play a key role in unlocking these opportunities. The British government is active in supporting the South African Government and other stakeholders in creating the right conditions for the move to a low carbon economy.”