Clarification on the Notice of Intended Application by Bonang Power and Energy (Pty) Limited to Establish a 360 Mw Hydropower Plant Near Murchison Falls
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Reference is made to the reports circuiting in the media in respect to the Notice in subject published by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) in the New Vision of Friday, 7th June 2019.
In light of the public reactions to the Notice expressed through various media channels. ERA wishes to clarify as follows:
- ERA is mandated under Section 29 of the Electricity Act, 1999 (‘the Act’), to receive and process applications for licenses. In line with this mandate, on 25th April 2019, ERA received an Application for a permit to conduct feasibility studies from Bonang Power and Energy (Pty) Limited.
- According to Section 30 of the Electricity Act, 1999, on receipt of such an Application, ERA is required to cause the notice to be published in the Gazette and in at-least one national newspaper of wide circulation in Uganda; to inform the General Public and invite all parties affected by the Application to submit comments and/or objections.
- In line with Section 31 of the Act, ERA may or may not, after the receipt of the comments under section 30, issue a permit to the intended applicant.
- A permit issued under sub-section (1) of Section 31 of the Act allows the intended applicant to carry out studies and any other activity that may be necessary to enable the intended applicant to prepare an application for a license to construct a Power Plant.
In light of the above, ERA appreciates the feedback that has been shared by stakeholders through various communication channels, in line with the Application by Bonang Power and Energy (Pty) Limited. However, the General Public is hereby informed that ERA has not issued any license to this effect and encourages all stakeholders to submit their comments and/or objections in writing to the Secretary to the Authority within 30 Days. Only formal submissions are considered by the Electricity Regulatory Authority while undertaking a decision on Applications for Licenses.
Dated this 11th Day of June 2019
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