Khalil Elahee: "Storage is the Key to Successful Time-of-Use Tariffs"

Khalil Elahee, director of MARENA, believes that the Time-of-Use Tariff (TOU) is an excellent initiative, provided it is better explained to the public and stakeholders. He points out that this system primarily targets the commercial sector and large consumers. "These are a few customers of the CEB among thousands, but they are extremely energy-intensive. Their consumption habits significantly impact the network," he states.

He also clarifies that, for now, the TOU remains voluntary for these large consumers. "To encourage them, an attractive tariff is offered so they can generate their own electricity from solar energy. Eventually, they can become largely self-sufficient," explains Khalil Elahee. However, he stresses a fundamental point that is often misunderstood: the necessity to incorporate storage batteries. "The minister is right to require that all new projects include storage capacity. Storage is essential. Without it, what is the point of excess photovoltaic production in the morning if we cannot use it during peak hours, between 6 PM and 9 PM?"

According to him, storage precisely allows for the injection of clean energy into the grid during these critical hours, thus enhancing the stability of the electrical system. "This is where demand management makes sense, with a combination of moderation and energy efficiency, to optimize in real-time the balance between supply and demand," he asserts.

Khalil Elahee finally advocates for a concerted approach. "The EEMO, MARENA, and CEB must work together, under the aegis of the ministry, in collaboration with the private sector, to make the TOU a success. Subsequently, this approach can be gradually extended to the residential sector. Everyone can benefit from this," he emphasizes.

He highlights the importance of the upcoming Sustainable Energy Bill, which will enable the adoption of a framework law integrating not only renewable energies and demand management but also the often-overlooked transport sector. "Transport still relies heavily on imported, costly, and high CO₂-emitting energy. We cannot talk about energy transition without fully integrating it," he concludes.