The Moroccan Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANRE) has set new tariffs for the electricity network, marking significant regulatory changes within the sector. Following its council meeting on February 19, the ANRE has officially established two major adjustments: one for the national electricity transmission network, and the other concerning the accounting separation of activities within the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE).
For the first time, the ANRE has fixed the Medium Voltage Electricity Distribution Usage Tariff (TURD) at 5.92 cents per kilowatt-hour. This tariff will be applicable for the initial regulatory period from March 1, 2024, until February 28, 2027, and will undergo adjustments after one year based on inflation rates to align with economic conditions.
This decision is seen as a pivotal milestone for the regulation of the electricity sector across Morocco, where the implementation of a unified tariff across the national territory has been adopted. According to the ANRE, "This choice simplifies the tariff structure, particularly within the framework marked by the creation and gradual implementation of the Regional Multi-Service Companies (SRM) under Law No. 83-21.”
The rationale behind establishing this two-year tariff period is to allow for joint reviews alongside the transmission network tariffs, set to expire at the beginning of 2027. So, efforts aim to provide visibility to investors and accelerate the country's economic decarbonization efforts, especially with the upcoming carbon tax set to be implemented at the start of 2026.
The new tariffs align perfectly with the directives articulated by King Mohammed VI, emphasizing the need for transition to renewable energy with ambitious targets set by the national strategy. It reflects the ANRE's commitment to not only streamline the regulatory framework but also to facilitate transparency and fairness among consumers. The agency affirms, "This approach guarantees transparent pricing for all consumers, ensuring fair contributions to the network usage costs.”
The introduction of the TURD follows extensive consultations with stakeholders within the national electricity sector and the public through the ANRE website. This effort has allowed the agency to implement a tariff structure grounded on widely discussed methodologies. The tariff adjustment process is expected to offer consumers predictable costs, deemed as "essential" for enhancing network management effectiveness.
Complementing this structure, the ANRE has also established tariffs for the usage of the national electricity transmission network (TURT) to be set at 6.68 cents per kilowatt-hour starting from March 1, 2025, with the system service remuneration fixed at 6.64 cents per kilowatt-hour for the same period.
On the topic of the accounting separation regulations for ONEE, the ANRE stresses the importance of this complex and strategic endeavor, viewing it as foundational for the sector’s regulation. The existing regulatory framework stipulates ONEE’s responsibility to define and submit distinct operational scopes for approval by the ANRE, related to electricity production, transport, and distribution.
"The methodologies defined for the implementation of this accounting separation aim to provide transparency concerning the cost of the various activities carried out by the Office, taking regulatory challenges and competition opening goals very seriously," the ANRE elaborated. The principles of the separation will prevent any cross-subsidization between regulated activities and those open to competition within ONEE, promoting loyalty and transparency across the market.
Lastly, the ANRE views the implementation of this separation as a strong signal to attract investors, particularly foreign parties, to develop projects within Morocco. This initiative is part of the broader reforms aimed at restructuring the electricity sector, ensuring the key players can effectively support the national energy transition backed by government vision. Overall, these regulatory changes signify significant progress toward creating a competitive and efficient electricity market as Morocco moves forward with its renewable energy agenda.