Faced with a low level of installed generation capacity and a growing population, the Public Utility Regulatory Authority of The Gambia sought to develop a strong framework of policies to support renewable energy deployment. In particular, the country enacted a renewable energy law to increase access to electricity, promote diversification of energy, and support investment in clean energy resources.

With the support of the United States Agency For International Development (USAID), NARUC supported Gambian officials in their efforts to integrate renewables, improve their regulations, and encourage private investment in the sector.

NARUC worked with Gambian regulators to draft the renewable energy law and reviewed guidelines for net metering, generation interconnection, standard power purchase agreements, and other key documents. This partnership helped the Gambia issue a license for a 20 MW solar power project in 2012 and implement a net metering project in 2013. NARUC’s collaboration with The Gambia also helped to expedite government reviews of energy projects and streamline licensing decisions.

The partnership took place under NARUC and USAID’s Regulating Clean Energy International Partnership Program.