The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has introduced four innovative initiatives aimed at improving service quality and energy efficiency while addressing the growing demand for electricity and water services throughout the Sultanate.
These initiatives were unveiled during APSR’s annual media briefing, where the authority also reviewed its accomplishments in 2023 and outlined its strategic objectives for the future.
The first initiative guarantees direct compensation for electricity consumers if service providers fail to meet predefined quality standards. This measure ensures accountability, with compensations directly applied to subscribers’ electricity bills in cases of service provider non-compliance.
In a significant step towards renewable energy, APSR announced the establishment of five new wind energy stations: Dhofar 2 (132MW), Sadah (99MW), Duqm (270MW), Mahout (400MW), and Jaalan Bani Bu Ali (105MW). This expansion of 1,006MW wind power underscores Oman’s commitment to diversifying energy sources and enhancing renewable energy capacity.
The third initiative introduces a spot selling project in Oman’s electricity market, aimed at attracting investments, streamlining the purchasing process, and improving transparency between consumers and electricity generation plants.
Dr. Mansour bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of APSR, highlighted a significant 70% reduction in water service connection fees for residential and commercial users, along with improved service delivery timelines, now reduced to nine days for water and two days for electricity.
Hinai also emphasized the substantial work assigned to small and medium enterprises in the electricity, water and sanitation, and natural gas transportation sectors, totaling RO73mn.
The resolution of 91% of customer complaints and a 40% reduction in response time were cited as significant strides towards enhancing consumer satisfaction. Additionally, the enactment of the Water and Sanitation Regulation Law last year established a robust legislative framework for the sector.
With a notable increase in actual reading rates and the installation of over 676,000 smart meters in the electricity sector and 332,000 in the water sector, APSR is making significant progress in technological integration.
Hinai further highlighted the critical electrical interconnection project between the sultanate’s north and south, aimed at optimizing energy usage and reducing carbon emissions by 32,000 tonnes annually.
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