Energy
MERA scales up safety measures on electrical installation
August 26, 2019 / Wahard Betha
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has established a new Installer’s Permit Committee (IPCO) and mini-grid egulatory framework which it has described as a vital tool in preventing accidents that occur due to poor electrical installation.
Board Chairperson for MERA KhwauliMsiska said at a sensitization workshop for the new framework in Lilongwe that the revised electrical installation assessment framework recognises that installers are usually good at specific installations that need to be certified for the safety of the installed buildings.
He said in the old framework experience was missing as criteria for certifying installers but the new framework will be considering both experience and qualification as chances for upgrading and certification of the installers.
“In order to reduce incidences in form of fire, electrocution and equipment damage, those doing installations need to be only those that have the right qualifications and experience,” Msiska said.
He urged all the electrical installers to acquire permits from MERA observing that many electrical installers in the country are operating without possession of valid permits which is putting people’s properties at high risk of catching electric fire.
Msiska also expressed concern over the existence of a number of mini-grids developed by both Government and non-governmental organizations which have been handed over to communities, without relevant training, on management, operation and maintenance.
“You can agree with me that mostly ownership and organizational structures of the mini-grids are not clear and accountability and transparency procedures are not clearly defined, which presents challenges for authority institutions to manage supporting and regulatory structures,” he said.
Msiska said the new framework for mini-grids intends to achieve sustainable development and operation of the mini-grids in Malawi in strides towards providing modern energy to remote areas where grid extension does not offer an economically feasible extension solution.
He said MERA recognizes the significance of engaging Government and stakeholders in ensuring effective regulation of the energy sector and understanding on matters relating to the regulation of the mini-grids.
Msiska thanked United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country office for financial support towards the development of the mini-grid framework.
“The preparation of the regulatory framework for mini-grids in Malawi was a commitment and devotion from many stakeholders of whom we are highly grateful for their valuable contributions,” Msiska said.
Commenting on the development, an electrical contractor PempheroNazombe lauded the new framework saying it will assist experienced electrical engineers in upgrading their licenses.
“This workshop is important as the new permit has included experience as one of the aspects for one to upgrade while the past permit only centered on qualifications like university degrees leaving out the experience that one has,” Nazombe said.
He said the development will also assist in marketing brands of certified installers since organizations will be considering legal permits before deploying the contractor.
Nazombe pleaded with fellow electrical contractors to comply with the framework in so doing assist in preventing people’s properties from electrical accidents.
MERA is mandated to regulate the energy sector in Malawi in a fair, transparent, efficient and cost effective manner for the benefit of the consumers and operators.
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