The Rural and Renewable Energy Agency of Liberia (RREA) has completed a two-day stakeholder validation and awareness workshop on technical regulations and guidelines for the implementation of executive order # 107.
The event which brought together stakeholders from both government, private and working partners took place in Sinkor Monrovia from June 14-15, 2022. At the end of the event, RREA, Deputy Executive Director for programs, Stephen V. Potter, Sr. told newsmen the meeting was intended to educate the private sector in respect of the implementation of executive order # 107 which was publicized by Liberian leader George Weah in May of this year.
“Today we have gathered here to educate the private sector in respect of the implementation of executive order # 107 which was passed by President George Weah early this year”, he said. we thought it was necessary to engage with the private sector who will be the main driver of this executive order and who would be the one importing solar materials into the country. Because there are technical standers in importing solar equipment or materials into Liberia and all importers must meet up with requirements before bringing solar products into the country “, He said.
It can be recalled in May of this year President George Manneh Weah issued an executive order suspending tariffs on off-grid solar Renewable Energy Products. Many believe the Executive Order was in recognition of the increased need to stimulate activities in the renewable energy sector after many years.
The Executive Order, which was issued Wednesday, May 11, 2022, stipulates those importers shall only pay the Custom User Fees (CUF) and the ECOWAS Trade Levy (ETL), where applicable.
“Those benefiting from this Executive Order must be directly involved in the renewable energy sector,” President Weah noted and added: “Only products compliant to standards recognized by the National Standards Laboratory (NSL) are eligible for the suspension of import tariffs”, the order said.
The Executive Order is in line with the review of tariffs imposed by the Government on plug-and-play solar lighting and electrification systems, integral parts of solar standalone photovoltaic systems, and efficient appliances with accessories (panels, batteries, control units) used for stimulation of economic development in rural areas. Other components are needed for system integrity as well as systems directly related to renewable energy development.
Reported By: Timothy R. Yoko
