Moroccan government assures “electricity prices will not change”

Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas assured that Moroccans will see “no change” in electricity bill prices, despite Algeria’s recent decision to cut its gas supply to Morocco.

Baitas explained during a government press conference on November 4, that “the gas supplied by Algeria was not directed towards consumption, but was used to generate electricity.”

He added that “Morocco has other sources of electricity, and does not rely on the neighboring country for its electricity.”

Morocco has previously called Algeria’s decision to cut its supply to the kingdom “insignificant.”

The official reiterated this sentiment, saying “electricity prices will remain unchanged,” while the government adopts a long-term plan to boost renewables and import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from other suppliers.

Morocco’s electricity sourced from natural gas represents a mere 10% of its overall sourcing, while national electricity production derives primarily from coal (31%), hydroelectricity (22%), fuel oil (25%), wind (10%) and solar (2%).

Long before Algeria’s announcement, Morocco’s national strategic objective was to improve energy security by reducing dependence on energy imports, through increasing its investments in renewables for electricity production.

Morocco is aiming for 52% of its energy to be provided by renewable energy sources by 2030. An ambition that was recently maintained at the UN COP26.

As Morocco explores and reinforces its sustainable energy and electricity plants, the challenge of accessibility remains.

When asked about the government’s preparations to accommodate Morocco’s marginalized areas as the Winter season looms, Mustapha Baitas said the government is taking upcoming winter conditions into account while planning infrastructure and energy interventions.

Meanwhile, the persistence of regional disparities in access to adequate infrastructure, electricity and heating in Morocco’s mountainous areas has proven difficult to solve.