Council of Ministers approves mandating reasons for draft General Electricity Law
Jordan News
Amman - The Council of Ministers Saturday approved the mandating reasons for the draft General Electricity Law of 2024 to enact a permanent electricity law instead of the existing temporary law.
The draft law outlines the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources roles and responsibilities of formulating the national energy policy and associated procedures. It aims to align with international best practices by promoting competition and encouraging investment in the electricity sector.
The draft law is to harmonise legislation with the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Law No. 8 of 2017, granting the Commission the authority to regulate the electricity sector and oversee licensing and permits.
It comprises provisions to foster investment in clean energy, especially in green hydrogen projects in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision. It introduces provisions for independent self-generation and self-transmission of electricity and specifies the entities responsible for issuing energy source certificates.
The draft law incorporates the concept of energy storage, reflecting the Kingdom’s needs and aligning with global energy practices. This is expected to enhance energy security, diversify energy sources and support economic development.
The Council of Ministers approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Arab National Mining and Processing Industries Company to explore copper ores in the Ghor Fifa area.
This MoU is part of the government’s broader efforts to encourage investment in the mining sector, positioning Jordan as a regional leader in mining and related industries.
The Council approved several administrative regulations, including the 2024 Licensing Bylaw for Nursing Homes and Clubs for the Elderly.
This Bylaw aims to streamline and regulate the establishment and licensing of private nursing homes and clubs, ensuring improved care and protection for the elderly in line with best practices.
The Council approved an amended Administrative Organisation Bylaw for the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) for 2024.
The amendments will create new directorates and administrative units, reassign responsibilities and enhance organisational capacity.
Key changes include creating the Women’s Empowerment Directorate, the Social Work Professionalisation Directorate and the Excellence and Leadership Unit.
The Council approved the reasons for the draft Administrative Organisation Bylaw for the Economic and Social Council 2024. The draft bylaw aims to improve the Council's efficiency and align its operations with national priorities, including digital transformation.
The Council discussed measures to monitor and inspect establishments that sell and serve tobacco and hookah, ensuring compliance with the Public Health Law and other relevant legislation.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has tasked the Ministerial Legal Committee and the Minister of Health with preparing specific instructions to address violations and ensure establishments adhere to health regulations.