Group endorses grid code harmonisation

The Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (Rera) has endorsed the harmonisation of a grid code to promote energy investment in the region. 

A grid code is a technical document that forms the rules around operating, maintaining and developing transmission system.

In an interview on Friday at the close of portfolio committee meetings in Lilongwe on Friday, Rera chairperson Skhumbuzo Tsabedze said the association is also setting up a fund to implement the harmonisation of the grid code and integration.

“As regulators, we ensure that our regulation standards are harmonised so that as a region, we should attract investments particularly in the area of energy which is extremely deficient,” he said. 

In a separate interview, Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority spokesperson Fitina Khonje said Malawi stands to benefit from the regional integration and harmonisation of grid code, adding the country needs more power to meet the growing demand but also attract investors.

“Now we are at around 500 megawatts and the goal is to increase to 1 000 megawatts and beyond,” she said.

Rera is an association of independent energy regulators whose establishment was approved by Southern African Development Community ministers of energy in Maseru, Lesotho in July 2002.

Mera hosted the Rera portfolio and sub-committee meetings from May 6 to10 and also from June 4 to 7 June in Lilongwe with over100 delegates taking part.