Malawi has launched a net-metering programme allowing households, businesses and industries generating electricity from renewable sources to feed surplus power into the national grid, as the country seeks to address inadequate electricity supply.
Energy Minister Dr. Jean Chifuniro Mathanga launched the rules governing the programme on Wednesday at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, urging eligible consumers to participate.
The framework allows consumers with renewable energy systems, particularly solar installations, to use the electricity they generate and export surplus power to the grid through bidirectional meters.
“Despite the progress made in expanding our generation capacity, electricity supply remains inadequate to meet the country’s growing demand. We must, therefore, explore innovative and complementary approaches to increase electricity generation and improve access to reliable power,” Mathanga said.
She said 34 customers had been identified as eligible to connect to the grid during the programme’s pilot phase, with nine already connected.
The 34 customers have the potential to supply a combined 3.9 megawatts to the grid, providing an initial contribution that could grow as participation expands.
Secretary for Energy Elvis Thodi said the framework would enable consumers to help address the country’s electricity supply challenges by providing surplus power to serve schools, hospitals, businesses and homes.
Mathanga thanked the United Nations Development Programme for supporting the development of the rules.
She urged consumers generating surplus renewable electricity to work with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to participate in the programme.
She also called on ESCOM to install bidirectional meters and connect applicants who meet the requirements without delay.
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