Created on January 21, 1960, EDD is a Public Institution of Industrial and Commercial character placed under the tutelage of the Government of the Republic through the Ministry of Energy, in charge of Natural Resources. EDD has the legal monopoly of the transport and distribution of electricity throughout the country.

Law No. 88 / AN / 15 / 7th L, promulgated on 03 March 2015, allows independent power producers to participate in power generation through a purchase agreement negotiated with EDD. EDD must ensure the continuity and the quality of service of the public power supply service.