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New energy regulations on cards

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THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is working on new regulations to govern power quality and standards in the country

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) is working on new regulations to govern power quality and standards in the country.

By Tarisai Mandizha Business Reporter

Speaking at a power quality workshop in Harare yesterday, Zera technical director Misheck Siyakatshana said a new Operational Grid Code will govern all suppliers and distributors of power in the country.

“We are working on a grid code which will provide codes for reliable operational maintenance,” he said.

Siyakatshana said the new code will be gazetted next month.

A grid code specifies technical requirements for connection to, and use of a public electric network to ensure safe, secure and economic proper functioning of the electric system.

Zera chief executive officer Gloria Magombo said the code would guide players in the energy sector on the rules they were expected to adhere to.

“Independent Power Producers (IPPs) need to know the rules to assist them on how they should operate,” she said.

Magombo said Zera was working together with ZETDC, consumers and Independent power producers on the formulation of the statutory instrument.

She said Zera was also working on the distribution grid code which is expected to be gazetted by the end of the year.

Magombo said the objective of the new development was to ensure quality service and standards in the power sector. She said Zera endavoured to ensure there was general knowledge regarding power quality and its benefits.

“The demand for power quality electricity has risen over the years and the end users are more educated,” Magombo said.

Zimbabwe has a peak demand of 2 200MW of electricity, but can only supply 1 167MW, resulting in severe load-shedding.

The country has been encouraging new players to invest in the power generation industry and to date Zera has licensed more than 15 independent power producers.

Some of them were already operating and contributing to the national grid. But the majority were struggling to set up operations.