Mera engages stakeholders on new energy laws

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) says electrical installers with valid permits would be allowed to undertake electrical installation works and renewable energy activities to ease fire accidents.

The energy regulator’s move comes against the background of fire incidences blamed on faulty electrical installations by unqualified installers.

Mera chairperson for installations permits committee (Ipco) Peterson Zembani said on Thursday in Blantyre, the move is aimed at ensuring value for money and quality and that electrical installations works are competently done.

“We have been issuing electrical installations permits since 2010. We have noted a number of issues, which we feel should be brought to the attention of our stakeholders to enhance the process of issuing permits,” he said during a stakeholders meeting with electrical installers.

The meeting provided a platform for electrical installers to share views on some of the proposed changes to the legal framework for those involved in renewable energy and electrical installation before being gazetted.

Zembani, a former chief executive officer of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) said Mera has noted the need to also change classification permits and requirements of the same; hence, the meeting.

Mera acting chief executive officer Ishmael Chioko said they will continue to safeguard consumer interests with regards to safety of electrical installation.

He said licensing and issuance of permits was introduced to ensure that users of electrical installations engage competent people.

“We are mandated to enforce acceptable quality service and also to carry out inquiries and investigations relating to electricity accidents; hence, this meeting to share some highlights of the legal framework governing permits for renewable energy and electrical installations,” he said.

Some of the changes in the proposed legal framework, for a firm to be issued with a permit, it must have in its employment a person who possesses a valid permit issued by Mera. n