Pre-Forum Event
Strengthening Independent Energy Regulations hosted by Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA), Pacific Community (SPC), and Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Monday, 3 June 2024
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (GMT +8) | Multi-Function Hall 3
The establishment of OPERA under the direction of 4TH Pacific Regional Energy and Transport Ministers Meeting in Apia Samoa 2019;
- To strengthen and enhance the regional capacity in utility regulation in OPERA member countries;
- To promote the independence, professionalism, accountability and visibility of national utility and energy regulators; and
- Develop its regional and international outreach and visibility with a communication strategy and action plan.
AGENDA
2:00 - 2:05 p.m.
Address by Chairman
Siamelie Latu, (Tonga)
2:15 - 2:25 p.m.
OPERA Overview Presentation
Vice Chairman Dean Yarrall (Cook Islands)
2:25 - 3:30 p.m.
Facilitated Dialogue and Open Discussion with OPERA and Development Partners
Facilitator: Lorraine Akiba, President&CEO, LHA Ventures
Common Issues encountered by Pacific Regulators in Implementation of Energy Regulation and a Way Forward.
Russell Hangatt, Executive Manager- Economic Regulation Division, PNG National Energy Authority
Joel Abraham, Chief Executive Officer, Fiji Consumer and Competition Commission
Siemelie Latu, Regulator, Tonga Energy Commission
Lematua Gisa Fuatai Purcell, Regulator, Office of the Regulator (Samoa)
Joshua Tuasulia, Chief Finacial Officer, Solomon Islands Energy Commission
Eden Ridep Uchel, Director, Palau Energy and Water Commission
Louis Vakaran, Acting Regulator, Vanuatu Utilities Regulatory Authority
SPEAKERS
Joel Abraham
Chief Executive Officer, Fijian Competition Consumer Commission
Siamelie Latu
CEO, Tonga Energy Commission
Dean Yarrall
Chief Economist, MFEM
Eden Ridep Uchel
Director, Palau Energy and Water Commission
Louis Vakaran
Director, Palau Energy and Water Commission
Lorraine Akiba
President&CEO, LHA Ventures