occupied Palestinian territory: Net Metering Consultant

USAID’s Palestinian Renewable Energy Project (PREP), implemented by AECOM International Development, aims to advance the Palestinian energy sector to support affordable and sustainable energy independence in the West Bank and Gaza. The project focuses to improve the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to modernize and diversify the Palestinian electricity sector. The project focuses on improving access to and reliability of electrical services by strategically incorporating renewable energy, which will increase the Palestinian Authority’s control of its electrical supply and improve affordability over time.

OBJECTIVE

PREP is currently seeking a short-term Net Metering Consultant. The consultant will assist the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resource Authority (PENRA) and the Palestinian Electricity Regulatory Council (PERC) to review and refine, as necessary, the existing net metering schemes for small renewable energy units. PREP will accomplish this by working with PERC, Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and industry experts. The consultant will review and analyze the impact of the current net metering scheme on various consumer classes related to net metering. This analysis will identify potential changes that may improve the expansion of renewable energy. Joint meetings between PENRA and PERC, DISCOs and representatives of consumer groups will assist in validating concerns related to the current net metering scheme and the supporting processes, infrastructure, economics, policies, rules and regulations. PREP will document findings and present the results of the meetings, workshops, analysis and provide recommendations to PENRA, PERC and the DISCOs for considerations and next steps. The results of refining the net metering scheme will be used in conjunction with the results of Assisting DISCOs to implement a net metering project for a selected pilot project. The final aim of these activities is to enhance the enabling environment for spreading renewable energy.

TASKS

This position is focused on completing the following tasks as outlined in the project Work Plan, which include assisting PENRA and PERC to refine existing net metering schemes for small renewable energy units and assisting DISCOs to implement a net metering program for select pilot projects

BACKGROUND AND APPROACH:

The Palestinian authority has ratified net metering regulating rules in 2015. These rules allow electricity consumers to connect to the grid and cover their own consumption. No real development or widespread in RE has been resulted. This law has partially solved the legality of grid connection and set a 25% deduction of the generated surplus renewable energy.

To encourage increased private sector renewable energy investment, AECOM, with PENRA and PERC, will facilitate a consultative process to secure nationwide support for a single net metering scheme. AECOM will initially conduct stakeholder workshops with DISCOs to better understand their revenue and concerns with the current scheme. Similar workshops will be hosted with different kinds of consumers to clarify issues around consumer protection and identify the price points needed for increased renewable energy development. Following the workshops, AECOM will make initial recommendations to refine the net metering regulation for discussion and feedback at a second stakeholder consultation workshop before finalizing them for PENRA and PERC.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Gathering and analyzing information, already available in print, published on the internet or obtained from stakeholders.

2. Introductory meetings with PENRA, PERC, DISCOs and private sector to start validating and understanding their concerns related to the current net metering scheme and the supporting processes, infrastructure, economics, policies, rules and regulations. Understand the disagreements between Government, DISCOs and EPC businesses to prepare an agreeable draft Act for approval at Cabinet level. Specify the parameters of revenue requirement formula.

3. Conduct Stakeholder workshops. Arrange for holding a workshop to gather representatives from PENRA, PERC, DISCOS, Renewable Energy Industry and financial sector to show the results of the introductory meetings study and show concerns in front of main stakeholders with the current net metering schemes. Present a review of the supporting processes, infrastructure, economics, policies, rules and regulations. And try to obtain consensus between main stakeholders.

4. Conduct detailed analysis for specific requests. Perform detailed analysis as needed, on specific issues or specific requests by stakeholders for assistance regarding the laws especially net metering. Convene consultation workshops as needed to discover Concerns and develop recommendations**.**

5. Review the impact of the current net metering scheme on various consumer classes related to net metering. This analysis will identify specific issues and potential changes that may improve the expansion of renewable energy

6. Make initial recommendations to refine the current net metering scheme and present to PENRA, PERC, DISCOs and stakeholders.

7. Conduct follow-up stakeholder workshops or data gathering by correspondence with DISCOs and PENRA to refine recommendations regarding net metering regulations

8. Finalize recommendations and present to PENRA, PERC and DISCOs.

9. Work with PERC and DISCO to identify ways to streamline the consumer application process to reduce wait times.

10. Work with DISCOs to assist with setting technical specifications for meters and processes

11. Assist DISCOs to implement a net metering program for select pilot projects

12. Provide training and improve knowledge according to concluded recommendations and budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional experience as a utility staff person or an embedded or close expert in a developing country utility with leadership roles in developing policies and implementing activities related to renewable energy development;

• At least five years of experience developing net metering schemes for small renewable energy units;

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge related to the regulations and development of renewable energy in developing countries;

• A university and/or college degree in an interdisciplinary subject such as Business Administration, Engineering, Public Administration, Economics or a related field from an accredited university;

• Ability to work with teams within DISCOs and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of a high quality product in a timely manner;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, excellent computer skills, especially Microsoft Office productivity tools (Power Point, Word and Excel).

To apply, email your resume directly to emma.bauer@aecom.com