Assahafa.com
Morocco’s National Authority for Electricity Regulation (ANRE) recorded a year of major regulatory advances in 2024, consolidating its role as a key driver of market transparency, investment readiness, and energy transition, according to its annual report for the year.
ANRE adopted several long-awaited decisions affecting tariffs, grid access, governance, and institutional capacity, while laying the groundwork for an expanded mandate in the energy sector.
Lower transmission tariffs and clearer grid access
One of the most significant regulatory milestones in 2024 was the adoption of a new tariff for the use of the national electricity transmission network.
The tariff represents a substantial reduction compared to the previous pricing applied by the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water, lowering costs for energy producers and improving the competitiveness of renewable electricity projects connected to high and very high voltage networks.
In parallel, ANRE published, for the first time, the hosting capacity of the national electrical system in January 2024.
This tool provides developers and investors with visibility on how much renewable energy capacity the grid can absorb over the next five years, strengthening transparency and reducing uncertainty around grid connection opportunities.
Work also advanced on preparing tariffs for the medium-voltage electricity distribution network. These tariffs are considered a necessary step toward opening the medium-voltage market and were scheduled to be finalized in the first quarter of 2025.
Governance reforms and quality oversight
Beyond tariffs, 2024 saw progress on governance reforms aimed at strengthening neutrality and non-discrimination in the electricity market.
ANRE approved quality indicators for the national transmission network, providing benchmarks to monitor performance and reliability. A code of good conduct for the transmission network manager was also validated to ensure equal treatment of all users.
Another key reform of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) implemented was separating its accounting among its various activities, from electricity transmission, distribution, and generation to general business affairs.
This process, which is essential for preparing the effective independence of the transmission system operator, was expected to be completed with the approval of the relevant rules in the first quarter of 2025.
Financial performance and human capital
ANRE closed 2024 with operating revenues of MAD 64.30 million ($7.00 million). Personnel expenses totaled MAD 20.83 million ($2.27 million), while investment expenditures amounted to MAD 6.63 million ($722,226).
Other operating expenses totaled MAD 16.63 million ($1.81 million), reflecting continued investment in strengthening the institutions.
The Authority continued to reinforce its human capital, recruiting 13 new employees during the year. Its workforce achieved a near-balanced gender distribution, with women representing 46% of staff and men 54%.
Toward a broader energy mandate
Strategically, 2024 marked a turning point for ANRE’s future. Following Royal Instructions issued on December 4, 2024, the Authority’s mandate is set to expand beyond electricity to cover natural gas, hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives, signaling a transition toward integrated energy regulation.
The report also highlights a strategic priority to accelerate electrical interconnection between the Southern Provinces and central and northern regions.
This infrastructure is intended to supply desalination plants with clean energy, aligning energy regulation with national water security objectives.
Source: Morocco word news
