The Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) had only allowed contractors with previous experience to instal medium-sized solar energy systems.
The mess delaying approval of licenses for installing medium-sized solar energy systems for producing electricity has been cleared up. A majority of the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity) plenum today approved a proposal to cancel the clause that obligates the company implementing a project to use a contractor (EPC - engineering, procurement and construction) with previous experience in installing medium-sized solar energy systems (630 kilowatts and more) for high-tension networks.
The vote followed a public hearing in the wake of a dispute between the Ministry of National Infrastructures and the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity).
The ministry asked to change the clause because it effectively barred participation of Israeli companies because such systems have not until now been installed in Israel, meaning that only foreign companies can implement installation. The ministry insisted that many Israeli companies have the engineering know-how needed to connect up such solar energy systems to high tension grids.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 12, 2010
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