Surging Electricity Demand in Morocco
In the first half of 2026, Morocco experienced a notable 8.4% increase in electricity consumption compared to the same period last year, according to the latest economic report from the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF). This growth rate, although impressive, represents a decline from the previous year's substantial 15.0% increase. By the end of June 2026, the total net energy demand had risen by 4.8%. While domestic electricity generation saw a modest increase of just 1.6% during this timeframe—down from a robust 5.8% growth the previous year—this surge in demand was primarily supported by renewable energy producers operating under Law 13-09, which saw a significant boost of 21.1%. Additionally, other national third-party suppliers contributed to this growth with an impressive 227.9% increase. However, the state-owned Office National de l'Électricité et de l'Eau Potable (ONEE) reported a decline in its own production by 6.7%. To bridge the gap between supply and demand, electricity imports surged by 34.6%, while exports plummeted by 41.5%.
Regulatory Framework Encourages Decentralized Generation
The marked increase in private third-party providers is closely linked to the gradual modernization of Morocco's energy legislation. As previously reported by MAGHREB-POST, Law 13-09 serves as the legal foundation for the establishment and commercialization of renewable energy by private entities. This framework has been further complemented by Law 82-21, which pertains to self-producers (_Autoproducteurs_). Effective March 1, 2026, specific feed-in tariffs have been introduced by the regulatory authority, ANRE, allowing grid operators to compensate excess electricity generated from self-production at rates ranging from 0.18 to 0.21 MAD per kilowatt-hour. However, these payments are capped at a maximum of 20% of the annual total production of each facility.
The implementation of decentralized photovoltaic systems is facilitated by newly established regional multi-service companies (SRM), which are gradually replacing former municipal and private distribution network operators. These SRM manage the feed-in capacities assigned by ANRE, take over the acceptance of grid-connected installations, and install legally required bidirectional smart meters. The developments observed in the first half of 2026 underscore the ongoing adjustments within Morocco's electricity supply framework: the increasing demand necessitates higher short-term imports, while the legal framework for private feed-in is progressively becoming effective within the network. The critical factor for the upcoming quarters will be the speed at which decentralized generation capacities can be expanded.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
