Zimbabwe’s New Net Metering Regulations Set to Boost Renewable Energy Adoption

In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s renewable energy sector, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development has amended the Electricity (Net Metering) Regulations of 2018, providing an enhanced framework for energy producers to contribute surplus power to the national grid. The amendments, outlined in the Electricity (Net Metering) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (No. 2), offer new avenues for both individual and collective participation in renewable energy generation.

The key changes include the introduction of Virtual Net Metering and Group Net Metering. According to the Electricity amendment regulation, Virtual Net Metering is defined as a “billing mechanism that allows surplus energy generated or injected from a Renewable Energy System to be exported to the grid, and the exported energy is credited in more than one electricity service connection(s) of the same consumer connected to the same distribution licensee”. This system allows consumers to offset energy costs across multiple properties or accounts, making it easier for large energy consumers to benefit from renewable investments.

Similarly, Group Net Metering enables a collective approach to energy production. It is described as an arrangement that “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(s) of participating consumers connected to the distribution license”. This opens opportunities for community-based or business partnerships to share the benefits of renewable energy systems.

Another important change is the provision that allows participants to be compensated for excess energy exported to the grid. According to the amendment, “Participants shall be paid for the cumulative excess energy exported to the grid at the end of the billing cycle (end of year)” Additionally, unused energy credits will roll over to offset future consumption, with a reimbursement rate of 11 US cents per kilowatt-hour.
With these new provisions in place, Zimbabwe is set to make significant strides toward a greener, more sustainable energy future.