NARUC - Global Regulatory Network

Profiles

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Electricity Regulator Commission (ZERC)

ZERC is yet to be formed. Caretaker regulator being finalized.

Electricity Industry and Market Structure:

• Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), vertically integrated state owned utility.
• Regulated generation and end-use tariffs.
• A stand-alone Rural Electrification Agency (REA) set up through the Rural Electrification Fund Bill to expand and accelerate electrification of rural areas.

Current Energy Issues:

• Statutory and legal framework in place for Unbundling and commercialization of core businesses.
• Key companies (generation, transmission, distribution) identified and ring fenced.
• Transmission as single buyer market model adopted.
• ZERC to be responsible for licensing of generators and transmission.
• Holding company to oversee key companies formed.

Key Statistics (2002)

• Population:
13.63 million
• GDP (US$):
$9.1 billion

• Electricity generation:
  fossil: 4763 GWh
  hydro: 3823.9 GWh

• Electricity consumption:
  12158 GWh

• Electricity imports:
  4010.1 GWh

• Electricity exports:
  439 GWh

• Electricity market size:
  16168.1 GWh/year

• Installed capacity:
  2045 MW

• Electricity prices for households (US$):
  6.2¢ per kWh

• Natural gas production:
Exploration in progress.
Estimated 500 billion m3. Adequacy & economic viability yet to be proved.