The plan focuses on remote and isolated areas. Government sources the rehabilitation of the electrical grid and its expansion to reach 173,000 homes will cost AD 30 billion. Algeria s energy policy has increasingly focused on the further penetration of hydrocarbon gases in the domestic market while exporting crude oil to foreign markets. Sonelgaz is currently building its supply network to distribute natural gas to 134 local communities on the short term. This ongoing program has faced a series of problems leading to its late implementation.
Special attention is given to localities that are based immediately along the main gas pipelines.
Some 40 such localities are expected to get gas by 2001. Remote areas and localities are included in a three-year plan aimed at supplying gas to homes in these areas. These localities are primarily located in the high plateaus and mountainous regions. Meanwhile, Algeria is preparing to launch a reform of its electricity law. A special utility authority will be set up to regulate the power market.