Virtual Net Metering allows surplus energy generated or injected from a Renewable Energy System to be fed into the national grid through net metering and credited in more than one electricity service connection of the same consumer connected to the same distribution licensee.

Group Net Metering allows energy generated or injected from a Renewable Energy System collectively owned by consumers to be exported to the grid and credited in the electricity service connection of participating consumers connected to the distribution licensee.

The initiative is expected to encourage greater participation of individuals and businesses, facilitating the generation of extra power that the country desperately needs to mitigate its ongoing electricity deficit.

However, the expanded mechanism may not be enough to offset the financial challenges faced by IPPs, who are already feeling the effects of shrinking returns.

In the past, IPPs and other participants have faced significant challenges under the existing framework. Previously, energy producers were compensated at a rate of USc0.9/kWh for surplus energy exported to the grid. However, recent adjustments reduced this figure to USc0.8/kWh, a move that many within the industry see as a setback.

The nationwide stakeholder consultations began on Tuesday in the country’s 10 provinces and will run until 31 October this year. ZERA is using the consultations to gather input from technical experts and industry stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the Electricity (Net Metering) Regulations.

Meanwhile, the country recorded very low electricity generation this week, producing 917 megawatts on Monday, according to a statement from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings.

The Hwange Thermal Power Station produced only 694 megawatts (MW) with the other power sources including Kariba Hydro Power Station at 184MW and IPPs (39) contributing the remainder.

The significant drop in power supply has raised concerns over the country’s energy security as electricity demand continues to outstrip supply.

Zimbabwe’s usual daily output typically ranges between 1 137MW and 1 352MW, and the dip in generation has led to increased load shedding which is affecting households, industries and businesses across the country.

ZESA Holdings general manager responsible for stakeholder relations Dr George Manyaya however downplayed concerns, stating that the 917MW output is within the power utility’s current normal range.

“It’s not a concern, nothing major has changed recently,” Dr Manyaya said. “Our typical daily output ranges between 1 137 and 1 352MW and the 917 is also within range,” he said, and urged the public to conserve energy.

New Ziana