News & Announcements

VIS was commissioned by Stantec to support a study aiming to assess the potential of LNG in Eastern Parten countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine). The study identified potentially viable options for LNG market development in each country (imports from EU, development of LNG terminals, development of small scale liquefication, virtual LNG pipelines), analyzed of each option’s competitiveness and economic performance (netback analysis – CBA), identified prerequisites and key success factors, and proposed policies and next actions to develop the options.

“Building on our solid experience with PCI (Projects of Common Interest) application support to our clients, we have composed a small consolidated outline of the latest, updated process concerning the application to attain the PCI status. The outline describes the necessary steps and respective milestones of the process that project promoters should follow towards their inclusion in the 5th PCI list.” Maria Kaladami, VIS Consultant

VIS has been commissioned by the National Association of (US) Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) - assignment funded by USAID - to support their ongoing program of assistance to Europe & Eurasia (E&E) energy regulators (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine) in their mission of ensuring that the public is receiving reliable electric service at a reasonable price, and that  regulated distribution companies are receiving a reasonable rate of return on their prudently incurred investments in infrastructure.

VIS along with its consortium partners (Ramboll and Asprofos) successfully completed a TA in Serbia where for the past 18 months supported the Serbian Administration towards compliance with EU Acquis in relation to the establishment and optimal management of an emergency stockholding system for reserves of oil and oil derivatives (Directive 2009/119/EC).

VIS has been commissioned by NARUC to provide technical assistance and support to the Ukrainian Regulator (NEURC) to formulate a process and methodology for the evaluation and approval of gas distribution rehabilitation/replacement projects.

VIS has been contracted by LDK to draft a project assessment guide with respect to oil pipelines for AERS (Serbian Regulator). The guide will assist AERS in its reviews of the oil pipeline development plans by sector companies and will ensure a solid and transparent framework under which all involved parties can operate.

VIS is building on its solid track record in the domain of socioeconomic cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for infrastructure projects. We have been commissioned by a large engineering consulting firm to execute a CBA for several Green & Blue infrastructure investments in the city of Athens. A challenging assignment that involves analysis of quantitative data and qualitative information, as well as modelling-based synthesis to establish causalities and deduce overall benefit.

VIS has been contracted by Tetra Tech to support a study for ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) in two main areas. First, by benchmarking international practices for connections to electricity & water networks, in terms of regulations, commercial rules, and charging methodologies, based on distribution utilities from Europe and Asia. Second, by providing international practices on the development, ownership structure and operation of electricity and water distribution networks in megaprojects.

The project’s objective is to support ERC towards the development of an open access market framework by drafting an Open Access Market Rule and Framework specific to the Kenyan context, to further the development of competition in Kenya’s electricity sector. The Open Access Framework will outline key components, well as principles, rules, and mechanisms for operating in an open access system. The Draft Rule will serve as the main regulatory tool for establishing an open access framework and will provide clear guidelines on the rights and responsibilities of all parties, including the tariff determination process, reporting requirements, enforcement measures, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. The project was commission by NARUC (assignment funded by USAID).

VIS has been awarded a short TA by NARUC (assignment funded by USAID) to execute a gap analysis of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority of Ghana (PURC) and the Energy Commission of Ghana (EC). The overarching objective, which is partly served by VIS' assignment, is to enhance the capacity of both the PURC and EC based on a skills gap analysis and needs assessment, focusing on regulatory strengthening at the commissioner and key staff levels. The project required extensive on-site information gathering and quantitative data collection prior to the analysis and subsequent assessment of existing capacities & skills and the way forward.