The Council Meeting of the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) was hosted by Lao PDR on 6 May 2016.  The Council Meeting’s objective was to discuss report from the Working Group Committee, HAPUA Secretariat, ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). The meeting in Lao PDR’s capital, Vientiane, was attended by delegates from eight ASEAN Member States (AMS): Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Khammany Inthirath, Minister of Ministry of Energy and Mines, Lao PDR, mentioned that the Ministry fully support the interconnection and integration of ASEAN electricity through the grid to grid system. He encouraged all 10 ASEAN Electricity Authorities and Utilities to concentrate on this topic and to make the best efforts in consideration of each country’s policy and electricity business, to achieve ASEAN Interconnected Grid.

During the Meeting, ACE’s representative, Mr. Septia Buntara, presented the findings of the 4^th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO) and the strategic plan of ASEAN Power Grid based on ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase I. Mr. Buntara mentioned that APAEC serves as a blueprint for better cooperation towards enhancing energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability under the framework of the ASEAN Economic Community for the designated period. The Meeting considered and agreed on the reports of ACE, ASEC, Working Group Committee, HAPUA Secretariat, and ASEAN Power Grid Consultative Committee. (SBS)