Atwoli welcomes COTU’s inclusion to EPRA board
Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) secretary general Francis Atwoli has embraced the consideration of amending Section 12 of the Energy Act, 2019 to give workers’ representatives seats on the board of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Atwoli says the amendment will ensure there is transparency and accountability in the day-to-day operations of the authority.
“Finally, the inclusion of diverse key players like COTU (K) in the EPRA board enhances transparency in regulatory decisions. It ensures that the interests of different segments of society are taken into account, fostering greater public trust in the regulatory process,” Atwoli said through X platform on Wednesday.
He said workers must be represented in the EPRA board just as it was in the past.
According to Atwoli, having workers representative in the board will ensure that the concerns of workers are considered in regulatory decisions that affect energy pricing.
“Cotu represents the interests of workers across various sectors, including those in the energy industry. Given the significant impact of electricity prices on workers and their households, workers must be represented on the EPRA board.”
Cotu boss stated that the workers umbrella union provides valuable insights into the social and economic implications of electricity pricing decisions, and that by having workers representatives who are a significant segment of consumers can help balance the need for affordable electricity with the financial viability of energy companies.
“Cotu has experts in the energy sector who can contribute valuable expertise to the EPRA board. Their knowledge of labour issues and the energy market can enrich discussions and lead to more informed decisions.”
He adds that the worker’s union will act as a liaison between workers and EPRA, hence fostering better communication and understanding of each other’s perspectives.
“The inclusion of Cotu representatives will promote collaboration and constructive dialogue in decision-making processes.”
EPRA is a crucial state agency that among others, determines the prices of fuel and electricity.