Sénégal: Électricité Guichet Unique SIGTEN Simplifies Sector Access

• Senegal is introducing SIGTEN, a new single-window digital platform, to centralize authorization requests for electricity sector operators.
• The Bureau d’accès au réseau de transport (BART) has been established to manage third-party access to the national electricity grid.
• The 2021 Electricity Code has been adopted, and the CRSE's regulatory authority now includes hydrocarbons and gas.
• These reforms are part of the Senegal Power Compact, backed by $600 million in US funding, aiming to address high energy costs and improve access.
• Infrastructure projects under the Compact include strengthening Senelec's network and electrifying over 300 villages, targeting universal access by 2029.

Crucially, the Commission de régulation du secteur de l’énergie (CRSE) has seen its mandate substantially broadened.

The Senegalese Ministry of Energy is actively developing a centralized digital platform, named SIGTEN, designed to simplify the process for new operators seeking authorization within the nation's electricity sector. This initiative, unveiled on October 27 by Oumar Diop, the Director General of MCA-Sénégal II, during a reform workshop, aims to establish a single administrative entry point for all permit applications. While the system is still under development, its introduction signifies a significant step towards a more organized and accessible energy market in Senegal.

Beyond the authorization process, the broader reform also addresses the critical aspect of grid access. Oumou Khaïry Diao Diop, Permanent Secretary for Energy, highlighted the establishment of the Bureau d’accès au réseau de transport (BART) as a key advancement. This bureau is specifically tasked with managing third-party access to the transmission network, a distinct challenge for independent power producers separate from obtaining operational licenses. Together, SIGTEN and BART are intended to structure two fundamental stages for new entrants into the Senegalese energy landscape.

Accompanying these administrative innovations is a significant evolution in Senegal's regulatory framework for the energy sector. A pivotal development is the adoption of the Code de l'électricité in 2021, which provides a modern legal foundation for the ongoing reforms. Crucially, the Commission de régulation du secteur de l’énergie (CRSE) has seen its mandate substantially broadened. Its regulatory purview now extends beyond electricity to encompass hydrocarbons and gas, reflecting a more integrated approach to energy sector governance.

This expansion of the CRSE Sénégal compétences élargies is a direct outcome of the reform efforts, which also include substantial investment in institutional strengthening. Oumar Diop noted that over 19 billion CFA francs have been allocated over five years to support these reforms and bolster the capabilities of key institutions. These changes are integral to the Senegal Power Compact Reform Project, which focuses on enhancing governance and financial viability within the sector, including strengthening both the CRSE and Senelec.

The comprehensive reforms, including the introduction of the Sénégal électricité guichet unique SIGTEN and the new regulatory framework, are directly aimed at tackling long-standing issues within the country's energy landscape. These challenges, identified during the preparation of the Compact, include the high cost of electricity, insufficient access to power outside the capital city of Dakar, and general unreliability of the electricity supply. The overarching goal is to improve service quality, reduce costs, and expand electricity access to the population.

This strategic reorganization is coupled with substantial infrastructure investments. The program benefits from $600 million in US funding, complemented by a $50 million contribution from Senegal. These funds are channeled into projects covering electricity transmission, access expansion, and broader sectoral reforms. Notably, the component dedicated to strengthening Senelec's network has achieved a 99% completion rate, while the access project aims to electrify more than 300 villages, contributing to Senegal's national objective of achieving universal electricity access by 2029. While these initiatives are underway, specific quantitative data on their impact on tariffs or service interruptions is not yet available.

Lawyers advising new energy operators in Senegal must prepare for the upcoming SIGTEN single-window system for authorizations and understand the new Bureau d'accès au réseau de transport (BART) for grid access. Compliance officers in the energy sector should note the CRSE's expanded regulatory scope to include hydrocarbons and gas, requiring adherence to the 2021 Electricity Code.

Source: Reporting based on recent developments in Senegal's energy sector.