MALAWI 6. Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority Category 1: Website http://www.meramalawi.mw The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority has a website which is up-to-date. The website has the following on its homepage: ‘About us’, ‘Legislation’, ‘Licensing’, ‘Resource Center’, ‘News’, ‘Links’, ‘Customer and Consumer Services’, and ‘Contact Us’. The website has a list of energy prices in Malawi. n = 20 Yes 1. Does this website contain up to date information? No Partial Additional Information • 2. Does the website contain the following: a) A description of its powers, as well as data on the organisational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? • b) A list of laws, Acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers? • c) Reports, policies, programmes? • d) Budget and expenditure? • e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? • f) Vacancy and employment procedures? • g) The address, telephone number, and working hours of the institution? • h) The contact details of specific public officials? • i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? • Total Score: 18/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to MERA: 1. Can you explain MERA’s mandate? 2. Would you provide MISA Malawi with the Authority’s budget structure? 3. What long–term measures has the Authority put in place to ensure there are zero fuel supply interruptions in Malawi? 4. Does MERA provide the media with information? If yes, which media platform do you prefer using? 5. What measures has MERA put in place to ensure an increased electricity generation capacity? 6. What are some of the major challenges that MERA faces? n = 20 1. Is there an official designated to take and respond to information requests? Yes • 2. Did the institution reply within 21 days? 3. Did the institution respond to the request for information? • • 4. Does the authority publish their procedures for dealing with information requests? 5. Did the institution provide all of the information requested? 32 No • • 6. Does the institution provide written reasons for the refusal of information? • 7. Did the institution disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure etc. • 8. Did the authority provide information without questioning the aims and motivations of the applicant? • 9. Did the institution acknowledge your request for information within 7 days? • 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? • Total Score: 10/20 Partial Additional Information