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CEP template 2012

E x c e l l e n c e i n p u b l i c s e r v i c e : D e l i v e r y a n d r e f o rm meantime the URA will continue to press forward and exercise its mandate and obligation to protect consumer interests and promote consumer rights to a safe, reliable service at a reasonable price. The URA must protect consumers from unfair billing practices and service disconnections, and ensure that customers receive friendly, polite and fair treatment. The URA is also committed to a transparent regulatory process where decisions are publicly vetted and the interests of the utility company and consumers are balanced. The URA also believes that consumers are entitled to pay prices that reflect efficient system operations and reasonable costs. Consumers should be given options to manage their utility bills whether through conservation, solar installations or other means. The URA is also working to develop a public advocacy group to provide better transparency and give an opportunity for consumers, especially small users, to be represented in tariff reviews, consumer protection reviews and commission deliberative processes. Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 72 DR HASSO BHATIA is CEO and part-time commissioner of the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA), Republic of Vanuatu. He has previously worked in the international energy sector (with USAID, World Bank and others) in India, Nepal, Moldova, Georgia and other newly independent states. Bhatia worked for more than 26 years with the Michigan Public Service Commission in roles including director of the Technical Services, Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency and Demand-side Management Division. Bhatia has also headed several special assignments, including management review of nuclear power plants, and has been an expert witness in large-scale dispute arbitrations. He holds a PhD in mathematics from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in mathematics and operations research and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi, India.


CEP template 2012
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