The Energy Ministry could roll out rules for energy allocation to key industries under a bid to ensure optimum use of energy, a document on the regulations (pdf) showed.
The details: The rules would allow stakeholders to submit requests for energy allocation in various sectors, including electricity production, crude oil refining, petrochemicals, desalination, mining, agriculture and others. The request should include the type of energy and related quantities and the required duration for the energy allocation. It should also provide proof of solvency, funding plan and others for the activity.
Authorities have the upper hand: The Energy Ministry has the power to amend or cancel agreed quantities of energy in case of “force majeure and exceptional circumstances that led to a drop of available energy.” The ministry can also exercise the same authority if the allocated energy is not used for a year without valid reasons, the rules showed.
The rationale: The proposed rules aim to regulate energy allocation for consumers to ensure optimum use of energy and achieve a targeted energy mix among other goals related to bolstering the circular carbon economy and GHG management.
Gov’t wants to know what the public thinks: The Energy Ministry has put its proposed rules up for public consultation on the electronic survey platform Istitlaa. Stakeholders have until 5 February to submit their suggestions on the regulations.