Thukten Zangpo

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) launched its strategic plan for 2024-2029 on August 12, aiming to become a ‘world-class electricity regulator and facilitator’.

ERA has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to navigate the evolving dynamics of the sector and align with the government’s development goals.

ERA’s vision of becoming a world-class electricity regulator and facilitator highlights its commitment to excellence. Its mission is to provide electricity stakeholders with fair, non-discriminatory, and efficient services, ensuring a safe, reliable, and efficient supply of electricity in Bhutan.

During the launch, the chairperson of the ERA, Phuntsho Namgyal, said that the strategic plan represented the collective vision for a brighter, more efficient, and innovative energy landscape.

The plan, he added, has three core elements—regulatory excellence, enhanced service delivery, and fostering innovation.

Phuntsho Namgyal said that the ERA’s goal was to improve the regulatory framework by ensuring transparency, streamlining processes, and creating an environment that encourages investment and innovation. “We aim to develop a sector that is not only well-regulated but also dynamic and forward-thinking.”

He also noted that the ERA is dedicated to enhancing infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technologies to deliver reliable and high-quality electricity services, ensuring uninterrupted power for every Bhutanese. “The energy transition is upon us, and our ability to embrace and drive innovation will be key,” Phuntsho Namgyal said.

ERA regulates the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity throughout the country.

Some of the activities under the strategic plan include revision of the tariff determination regulation 2022, regulatory fees regulation 2006, develop right of way regulation, and conduct feasibility study on the digitalisation of services.

Additionally, the ERA plans to develop a regulatory framework for electric vehicles, conduct a study on the domestic power market, and create an alternative renewable energy-pricing framework, among other initiatives.

The event also saw the launch of licensing regulation for solar power plant and distribution power reliability and transmission system performance report 2024.

For energy security, ERA has begun issuing licences for solar power projects and is currently developing technical and economic regulatory frameworks for promotion of alternative renewable energy.