Zera urged to prioritise consumer protection, clean energy

Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]

GOVERNMENT has urged the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zeera) to prioritise consumer protection, clean energy development and efficient regulation in its 2027-2030 strategic plan to improve service delivery and support economic growth.

The Government also wants the energy regulator to streamline licensing procedures, accelerate approvals for independent power generation projects and strengthen enforcement against suppliers of substandard solar equipment and uncertified electrical products.

In a keynote address at Zera’s 2026 strategy stakeholder consultative and feedback workshop in Bulawayo last Thursday, Ministry of Energy and Power Development permanent secretary Dr Gloria Magombo said the authority’s strategy should translate stakeholder concerns into measurable improvements in energy regulation.

Dr Magombo, who was represented by the ministry’s Bulawayo provincial head, Mr Robert Rukuni, said stakeholder engagement should extend beyond annual consultations to become a continuous process informing regulatory policy.

She called for permanent feedback mechanisms that would give farmers, industrial associations, civil society, the media and local authorities a voice in shaping energy regulation.

“Regulations must adapt to technological advancements and evolving market realities while maintaining strict consumer protections and standard compliance,” said Dr Magombo.

She said reliable, affordable and high-quality electricity and fuel supplies were essential for productivity across agriculture, mining, manufacturing and other sectors.

“The energy sector is the lifeblood of our national economy. Without stable, high-quality and affordably priced power and fuel, our factories cannot produce efficiently, our farmers cannot irrigate effectively, our

mines cannot operate optimally and our communities cannot thrive,” said Dr Magombo.

She said the strategic plan should align with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly sustainable economic growth, social equity and environmental protection as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 aspirations.

The ministry expects ZERA to strengthen its technical capacity, monitoring infrastructure and coordination with other institutions to ensure that regulatory decisions respond promptly to developments in the energy sector.

Dr Magombo said the authority should also promote clean energy technologies to accelerate decarbonisation and expand access to energy across the country.

She said the effectiveness of regulation should be measured by its impact on consumers, with feedback from residents, farmers and businesses informing practical and enforceable standards.

“In 2027 and beyond, Zera must enforce reliable, safe, affordable and sustainable energy delivery. Protecting consumers from service disruptions, unfair pricing and poor service quality must be central to Zera’s 2027 strategic agenda,” said Dr Magombo.

Government also expects Zera to create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment that attracts domestic and foreign investment

Dr Magombo said simplifying licensing procedures, reducing administrative delays and establishing clear compliance requirements would encourage private-sector participation and investment in the energy industry.

She said Zera should refine and expedite approval processes for captive power generation and own-generation projects, while establishing clear and fair rules for connecting such projects to the national electricity grid.

The permanent secretary also raised concern over practices that compromise public safety and fair competition, calling for stronger enforcement and intelligence-led surveillance.

Dr Magombo said Zera should focus on curbing the sale of substandard solar equipment and uncertified electrical products, illegal vending and unauthorised distribution, as well as safety violations in the petroleum and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) markets.

She said the authority should take decisive action against non-compliant licensees to strengthen market discipline and protect consumers.

Dr Magombo said contributions gathered during the stakeholder consultations should inform clear strategic priorities and measurable improvements in the regulator’s operations.

Source: Zera urged to prioritise consumer protection, clean energy – herald

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