Power market coupling: towards harmonised electricity policies in the East African Community

Abstract

The ambitious plans of the East African Community (EAC) to provide adequate electricity in the region have continued to generate substantial interest among experts in academia, industry and government. The communal efforts to realise such targets are predicated on individual capacities and cooperative endeavour. This article focuses on a legal assessment of the EAC energy market coupling with a special emphasis on examining whether a harmonised approach is possible from two perspectives: first, practical industry concerns and, second, the legal framework within which those concerns should be addressed. This article argues that there is strong potential for a harmonised approach supported by legal convergence. One important index of success in this area would be the promotion and protection of foreign investment to ensure enough electricity supply.