HARARE – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says at least 300MW worth of generators are registered with the agency as is prescribed by the country’s laws.
This follows a recent social media storm over claims ZERA and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) were imposing fines of ZW$100,000 on businesses and households running generators without emission licences.
The two quasi-state entities have since moved to clarify the position, saying the registration requirement only covered standby generators or generating equipment with a capacity of 100kW and above.
“This is to ensure public safety in the operation of the grid and in particular, prevent the danger posed to Electricity Supply Industry employees from the possibility of back-feeding of power into the grid from these generators during outages and maintenance,” ZERA said in a statement recently.
In emailed responses, ZERA chief executive officer Edington Mazambani encouraged owners of standby generators of 100KW and above to register them as is required by the law and allow for safety inspections.
“The authority has been registering all owners of standby generating equipment with a capacity of 100KW and above and in terms of the Electricity Act (2002) chapter 13.19 and Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008 at no cost.
“To date, there is a combined estimate of 300MW worth of registered generators,” he said.
He added: “Registration is ongoing, and this exercise is to ensure the safety of the public and employees in the electricity supply industry.”
