Providers Rules 2019

STATUTORY INSTRUMENT Supplement to the Sierra Leone Extraordinary Gazette Vol. CXLX, No. 91 dated 13th December, 2019 PROVIDERS RULES 2019 In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by section 66 of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2011, the Commission hereby makes the following rules. PART I-PRELIMINARY

In these Rules unless the context otherwiserequires– “Act” means the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act, 2011; “certificate” means the authorization issued by the Commission pursuant to an application for certification under these Rules; “EIA” environmental impact assessment; “ESI” means the electricity supply industry of Sierra Leone; “meter” means a device that measures and registers the integral active energy or reactive energy over a certain interval and may include data recorder but excludes instrument transformers; Short title. Interpretation. “metering system” means a meter and the associated current transformers, voltage transformers, metering protection equipment, including alarms, low voltage electrical circuitry, associated data collectors, data transmitters, related to the measurement, recording and transmission to the data collection system, the active energy or reactive energy or both; “meter test station” means a certified test laboratory which has the technical and infrastructural capability to perform accuracy tests for meters and metering systems; “Electricity Act” means the National Electricity Act, 2011 ;

,importer or installer of energy metering systems. (2) These rules shall not apply to a licensee who undertakes metering activities itself. PART II-APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATES AND OTHER RELATED PROVISIONS

No person shall manufacture, assemble, import or installelectric meters or metering systems unless that person holds a certificate issued by the Commission for that purpose.

An applicant who wishes to undertake more then one activityunder these rules shall apply for a multiple Certificate.

The types of certificates to be issued by the Commission shallbe as follows- (a) the manufacturer or assembler's certificate; (b) the importer's certificate; (c) the installer's certificate Application of rules. Requirement for a certificate . Multiple Certificate Types of Certificate

(1) The Commission shall categorise installers ofsystems into the following categories– (a) Class A (b) Class B (c) Class C (2)The level of installation works and qualification required for each category referred to in sub-rules (1) shall be as follows– (a) Class A certificate holder may undertake any type of metering installation and shall satisfy the conditions specified in Schedule 2A; (b) a Class B certificate holder is authorized to undertake any metering works within the distribution network and shall satisfy the conditions specified in Schedule 2B; (c) a Class C certificate holder is authorized to undertake metering works only for voltages of 415V and lower and shall satisfy the conditions specified in Schedule 2C

(1) A person who wishes to undertake any activity underthese rules shall make a written application in the prescribed form to the Commission. (2) A person applying for– (a) manufacturer or assembler's certificate shall fill out the form set out in Schedule 1A; (b) importer's certificate shall fill out the form set out in Schedule 1B metering Installers Mode of Application. (c) installer certificate shall fill out the form set out in Schedule 1C (3) An application for a certificate shall be accompanied with all the supporting documents relevant to the certificate applied for. (4)An application shall be signed by the applicant, addressed to the Commission and delivered by post or email.

Gazette.

The Commission shall within 10 days of receiving anapplication issue a letter to the applicant acknowledging receipt of the application.

(1) The Commission shall within 30 days from the date ofreceipt of the application make a decision and notify the applicant of the decision in writing . (2) An application shall be granted by the Commission unless the applicant fails to meet the technical, financial and managerial capability criteria under the Act and statutory instruments pursuant to the Act. (3) If the Commission refuses the application, it shall in communicating the decision to the applicant state the reasons for the refusal. PART III-DURATION OF CERTIFICATES AND RELATED PROVISIONS

(1) The holder of a certificate shall pay the annual feeas determined by the Commission and publish in the Gazette. (2) The annual fee shall be paid on or before each anniversary of the date of first issuance. Application fees. Decision of Commission. Receipt of application. Annual Fees.

(1) A holder of a certificate shall not transfer the certificateto another person unless he makes an application to the Commission requesting approval to transfer the certificate. (2) Subject to these rules the Commission shall not unduly withhold its approval of transfer.

(1) A certificate shall be valid for a period of 5 yearssubject to these rules . (2) Subject to these rules the certificate may be renewed by the Commission at the end of its term.

(1) The Commission may suspend or cancel a certificatewhere it is satisfied that - (a) the holder has (i) contravened a term or condition of the certificate; (ii) has given information to the Commission which is false or misleading; (b) it is in the public interest to do so. (2) When the Commission has grounds for the cancellation of a certificate, it shall give notice to the holder to show cause why the certificate should not be withdrawn. (3) If the holder of the certificate is unable to persuade the Commission or fails to respond to the notice, the Commission shall proceed to cancel the certificate in accordance with section 35 of the Act. (4) The Commission shall restore the certificate when the holder remedies the matter that gave rise to the suspension or cancellation. Transfer of Certificate. Duration and Renewal of Certificate. Suspension or cancellation.

(1) The Commission shall maintain a register of holders ofcertificate and the type of services they are qualified to (2) The Commission shall publish the list of holders of certificate in the Gazette and on its website.

(a) the metering systems the person manufactures, deals in or installs are fit for the purpose and conform to the Sierra Leone standard as well as satisfy the requirements of statutory instruments relating to grid, distribution and wiring respectively; (b) the requisite level of facilities and equipment are deployed for undertaking the activities; (c) it employs persons with the requisite training, knowledge and competence to undertake the activities authorized. (2) A holder of a certificate shall provide service that is adequate and non-discriminatory to persons who apply for their services and satisfy the conditions relating to the service.

(1) A holder of a certificate shall submit an annual report tothe Commission on meters, metering systems or knocked down parts supplied or installed in each calendar year for each type of activity undertaken. (2) The report shall be submitted on or before the end of the first quarter in the following year.

A certified installer of metering system shall draft aprocedure for resolving disputes with its customers and shall submit the draft procedure for the approval of the Commission before implementation. Register perform. Conditions of certification. Annual Report. Resolution of dispute. PART IV- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

(a) manufactures, assembles, imports or installs electric meters or metering systems without a certificate; (b) employs or allows to be employed persons not qualified to work in the provision of metering services; or (c) obstructs or interferes with a member of the Commission, officer or a person employed by the Commission in the exercise of powers commits an offence punishable under section 65 of the Act.

A person prior to the coming into effect of these rules who wasengaged in an activity requiring a certificate under these rules shall apply for the relevant certificate within 3 months of the coming into effect of these rules. Offences and penalties. Transitional Provision. SIERRA LEONE ELECTRICITY AND WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION PROVIDERS RULES, 2018 SCHEDULE 1A: APPLICATION FORM FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER OR ASSEMBLER OF METERING SYSTEMS Rule 7(2)(a) Section A Indicate type of Manufacturer Assembler certificate 1. Full Name of Applicant 2. ID/Social Security No 3. Business name: 4. Address 5. Contact person (if different from applicant) 6. Telephone number 7. Email 8. Indicate whether new application or renewal. If renewal state current Certificate Number. 9. List of key personnel 10. Qualification and experience of key personnel 11. List of relevant documents attached as required under 12. Description of electric energy meter a) Make: b) Type: whether single or three phase 13. Annual production capacity 14. Technical data a)Nominal voltage; b) Operating voltage; c) Accuracy class d) Current rating e) Frequency; d) Operating temperature; e) Storage temperature; f) Lifespan; 15. Purpose of manufacturing or assembling It is mandatory to provide the following information: 1. Business registration certificate 2. NRA Certificate 3. EIA Certificate 4. Type Test Certificate report 5. Meter Test Station Test report 6. Proof of existence or access to facilities 7. Others. Name: Signature: Date: SIERRA LEONE ELECTRICITY AND WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION PROVIDERS RULES, 2018 SCHEDULE 1B: APPLICATION FORM FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF AN IMPORTER IN METERING SYSTEMS Rule7(2)(b) Section A 1. Full Name of Applicant 2. ID/Social Security No. 3. Business name: 4. Address 5. Contact person (if different from applicant) 6. Telephone number 7. Email 8. Indicate whether new application or renewal. If renewal state current certificate number. 9. Names and particulars of directors of company 10. List of relevant documents attached as required under 11. Description of electric energy meter a) Make: b) Type: whether single or three phase 12. Estimated annual imports 13. Technical data a)Nominal voltage; b) Operating voltage; c) Accuracy class; d) Current rating; e) Frequency; d) Operating temperature; e) Storage temperature; f) Lifespan; 15. Purpose of importing/ main customers It is mandatory to provide the following information: 1. Business registration certificate 2. NRA Certificate 3. Type test certificate report 4. Meter test station test report 5. Proof of existence or access to facilities 6. Others. Name: Signature: Date: SIERRA LEONE ELECTRICITY AND WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION PROVIDERS RULES, 2018 SCHEDULE 2A-QUALIFICATIONS SCHEDULE 2A: QUALIFICATIONS OF INSTALLER OF METERING SYSTEMS –CLASS A Rule 6(2)(a) Qualifications of Installer of Metering System Class “A” Certificate No of Education Competency Employee 2 (1) MSc Engineering Experience in installation, (5 years) BSc maintenance and accuracy Engineering checks of grid meters (7 years) HND (above 33 KV) (15 years) 3 (2) MSc Engineering – 1. Experience and 3years demonstrable ability to BSc Engineering – recognize and effectively 5years deal with hazards related HND – 10 years to grid metering panels 2. Competence in grid metering systems installation, maintenance, calibration, trouble shooting and repairs 3. Ability to calculate meter constraints, multipliers and summation scheme values 4. Enhanced safety skills at grid level 4 (2) BSc Engineering– 3 years HND – 7 years Master Electrician -15 years Technician – 20 years SCHEDULE 2B-QUALIFICATIONS OF INSTALLER OF METERING SYSTEMS -CLASS B Rule 6(2)(b) Qualifications of Installer of Metering System Class "B" Certificate 1 MSc Engineering (3 years) Experience in installation, BSc Engineering (5 years) HND(10 years) maintenance and accuracy checks of distribution network meters (33 KV or below) No of Education Competency Employee SCHEDULE 2C-QUALIFICATIONS OF INSTALLER OF METERING SYSTEMS CLASS C Rule 6(2)© Qualifications of Installer of Metering System Class “C” Certificate No of Education Competency Employee 1 BSc Engineering (5 years) Experience in installation, HND (10 years) maintenance and accuracy checks of low voltage energy meters of not more than 415V 1 BSc Engineering – 2 years 1. Experience and demonstra- HND – 5 years ble ability to recognize and Master Electrician – effectively deal with hazards 7 years related to low voltage wiring Technician – 10 years 2. Competence in metering systems installation, maintenance, calibration, trouble shooting and repairs 2 MSc Engineering - 1years BSc Engineering - 3years strable ability to recognize HND - 7years and effectively deal with hazards related to distribution network metering panels 2. Competence in grid metering systems installation, maintenance, calibration, trouble shooting and repairs 3. Ability to calculate meter constraints, multipliers and summation scheme values 4. Enhanced safety skills at the distribution network level 3 BSc Engineering- 2 years HND - 5 years Master Electrician -10 years Technician - 15 years 1. Experience and demon- MADE this th day of , 2019. MOHAMED D. B. SESAY, Chairman PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT, SIERRA LEONE EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE NO. 91 OF 13TH DECEMBER , 2019. EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM (This explanatory memorandum is not part of these rules but is intended to indicate its general purport) The statutory instrument is made pursuant to section 66 of the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission Act 2011.This instrument is divided into 4 parts . Part 1 covers the interpretation and application provisions. The interpretation provision defines words and expressions used throughout the instrument .The application provision stipulates that the instrument applies to manufacturers, assemblers, importers and installers of energy metering systems but does not apply to a licensee who undertakes metering activities itself. Part II covers provisions on application for certificate. The instrument provides that no person should manufacture , assemble, import or install electric meters or metering systems unless that person holds a certificate issued by the Commission for that purpose. Part III covers provisions on duration of certificates and other related provisions Part IV contains miscellaneous provisions. 3. Ability to calculate meter constraints, multipliers and summation scheme values 4. Safety skills at within a low voltage wiring system 3 Technician – 7 years Electrician – 5 years