Kharabisheh: Energy Rationalization is a Priority to Enhance Supply Security and Reduce Costs

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Dr. Saleh Kharabisheh chaired, on Monday, a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership Council to discuss amendments to the system for regulating energy rationalization procedures and improving its efficiency, issued pursuant to Article (18) of the Renewable Energy and Energy Rationalization Law No. (13) of 2012.

During the meeting, Kharabisheh explained that the priority today is to focus more on rationalization measures than ever before, to achieve the strategic goal of ensuring energy supply security, emphasizing the need for all parties to work together to move forward in this regard.

He pointed out that the new amendments to the system will enhance the efficiency of energy use in various sectors, especially in existing and new buildings, alongside reducing energy costs, which will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and supporting sustainable development paths.

He stressed that the next phase requires intensified efforts to implement energy efficiency programs and projects, raise awareness of the importance of optimal energy use, and strengthen partnerships and coordination among various stakeholders, ensuring tangible and sustainable results in the field of energy consumption rationalization and efficiency improvement.

For her part, the Director of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Directorate, Engineer Lina Mubaideen, presented a presentation that covered the most important articles that were amended, which included several axes, most notably the transfer of energy service companies' licenses to the Energy and Minerals Sector Regulatory Authority, with these companies conducting energy audit studies, alongside obligating new buildings to comply with energy efficiency standards, according to technical standards and controls that are gradually applied during consumption stages.

The amendments also included canceling the mandatory application of these standards on existing buildings, and linking the benefit of incentives and exemptions to conducting energy audit studies and implementing their recommendations.

Attendees from various sectors presented their inputs and observations on the proposed amendments, affirming that consumption rationalization is an important and fundamental issue, and it must be established as a permanent and continuous behavior, contributing to achieving sustainable economic development.