- The availability and access to modern energy services are vital in reducing poverty.
- Increasing pressure on oil prices increases the costs of energy supply.
The Gambia Public Utility and Regulatory Authority recently hosted the second ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA) held at the Kairaba Conference Center in Bijilo. The theme of the event was: ‘Energy Security in the ECOWAS Region Through Interdependence’
The chairman of ERERA, Mr Laurent Kocou Rodrigue TOSSOU, pointed out that they are facing increasing pressure on oil prices, which increase the costs of energy supply for States and production costs for electricity companies. In addition, He said that they face rising commodity supply costs and inflation, which affects the competitiveness and growth of their economies, adding that they are also facing strong growth in energy demand with infrastructure and supply that do not always meet the requirements in terms of availability and quality.
Chairman TOSSOU further said that, as a result, providing sufficient energy to meet the requirements of a growing population with rising living standards will require strong commitments by policymakers to energy supply and energy efficiency. The Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe stated that Gambia had benefited immensely from regional cooperation.
The availability and access to modern energy services are vital in reducing poverty in the regions and are crucial weapons to maintain and sustain peace and security in sub-Saharan Africa.