Our Objectives are to increase access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity and water services, and to protect the long-term interests of consumers throughout Vanuatu.

The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) is Vanuatu’s economic regulator of electricity and water services. It manages consumer complaints and advises the government on matters related to electricity and water. It also renegotiates tariffs under the rules of the Concessions Agreements. In the electricity sector, the URA monitors the concessions operated by utilities in Luganville, Port Vila, Malekula and Tanna islands.

The URA is an initiative of the Vanuatu Government, with additional financial support from AusAID through the Governance for Growth (GfG) Program in cooperation with the World Bank. Please visit the ABOUT THE URA page to learn about the URA's objectives and structure.

If you are a consumer, please visit the FOR CONSUMERS section to learn about the industries' structure, pricing and consultation of stakeholders. Please contact us if you have issues with electricity and water services that you haven't been able to solve with the utilities.

If you are a utility, please visit the ENERGY or WATER sections to learn about the URA's role, the consultation process and tariff setting.

Media release: The Utilities Regulatory Authority’s 2011 Annual Report (17 April 2012). The Authority undertook a number of activities which introduced various legal and regulatory challenges. Much of this work has continued into 2012, with the expectation of continued economic reform that will bring economic benefits to the people of Vanuatu.
Read the media release | Read the report

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Media release: Call on Communities Interested in the URA’s Public Education Program (10 April 2012). The Authority is rolling out its Public Education Program to educate and inform the public and consumers on a range of issues related to electricity and water services.
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Media release:  The URA Opens a Consultation on its Electricity Prepayment Meter System Issues Paper (3 April 2012). The paper seeks comments on issues raised by the Authority until 30 April 2012. Enquiries can be directed to Mr. Nima Heschmat on (678) 23335.
Read the media release | Read the report

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Media release: The URA Opens Consultation on its Regulatory Reporting Requirements Issues Paper (30 March 2012). The paper seeks comments on issues raised by the Authority until 30 April 2012. Enquiries can be directed to Mr. Olivier Fernandez on (678) 23335.
Read the media release | Read the report

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Feature story: URA Supports Education in the Workplace (27 March 2012). Every year the Authority sponsors training in Port Vila and overseas. The objective is to build the staff’s capacity in regulation but also to develop other skills so that we are productive employees and educated citizens. Written by Belinda Reuben.
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To see all the media releases and feature stories, visit the NEWS section.