Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has denied that it is banning fridges, stoves and televisions (TVs) but rather said it is carrying out consultations on the development of minimum energy performance standards for electrical appliances.
In a press release, ZERA said it is consulting consumers, policymakers, and electric retailers.
“The draft regulations, which are meant to phase out the importation and manufacture of inefficient electrical appliances, are being developed and will be promulgated after consultations with all key stakeholders across the country,” ZERA says in the press release.
“The minimum energy performance standards, when developed, will provide for restrictions on manufacturing, importation and sale of such inefficient electrical appliances in Zimbabwe.”
The move to phase out inefficient electrical appliances come at a time when Zimbabwe is importing power from neighbouring countries to meet the country’s demand.
Power shortages have led to load shedding in the country.
“The proposed standards will not ban the usage of appliances currently being used by consumers, but, if approved, will prohibit the manufacture, importation and sale of inefficient appliances which do not conform to; meet the approved rating or minimum energy performance standards in the country,” ZERA says.
Power cuts were last reported in December last year despite the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority assuring a smooth Christmas holiday.
“Such measures are not unique to Zimbabwe as they are common throughout the world,” ZERA says.
In 2014, the4 European Union banned electrical appliances including vacuum cleaners with motors making a1,600 watts limit in a bid to cut energy usage.
