Mangoma appoints energy board

Energy Regulatory Authority to replace the now defunct Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Minister Mangoma announced the new board, which was mandated to expand the energy sector, at a Press conference on Tuesday.
“It is inheriting the functions of ZERC to regulate energy, that is regulation of the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of any form of energy derived from any energy source,” he said.
Minister Mangoma said the board would also ensure the entry of private players into the sector and promote appropriate consumer rights and obligations regarding provision of energy services.
The board will be chaired by Mr Canada Malunga. The other members are -Mrs Betty Katiyo, Mrs Tendai Mhere, Mr Tapuwa Mashingaidze, Mrs Hilda Shindi and Ms Ndomupeyi Flora Chikonye.
Minister Mangoma defended the recent increase in electricity tariffs, saying they were meant to recover costs and ensure viability at Zesa Holdings.
“In this industry, there has clearly been no investment for the past 10 years and when you go back, the last capacity improvements were completed in 1984 and had been initiated by the Ian Smith regime,” he said.
“If you look at the region and compare with the 9,8ckWh you will find we are still below what is prevailing in the region.”
Minister Mangoma said Zimbabwe’s situation had been worsened by lack of credit lines that made investing in the sector expensive.
He said Zesa had been instructed to bill for energy used only and had scrapped the fixed charge.
Turning to the introduction of the prepaid meter system, Minister Mangoma said adjudication for the winning tender had been completed.
“It was submitted to the State Procurement Board 2-3weeks ago and the tender board has not yet awarded the tender,” he said.
“We, however, expect them to award it this week or next week and then by October we will flight the tender for the supply of the smart meters.”
Minister Mangoma said the supply of smart meters and energy saving bulbs would go a long way in saving energy.
Zimbabwe has been facing an acute shortage of electricity and has been importing from Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique and the DRC.
But there have been moves to license private players and electricity supplies are expected to improve by 2016.