Swaziland, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan and Zambia Group 3 Swaziland, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Sudan and Zambia

Swaziland Policy promoting RE mini-grids No project developed on mini-grids Limited experience in dealing with mini-grids Focused on grid extension (because of size of the country) Electricity distribution licence applies to installation more than 100 kW

Egypt Electrification rate is almost 100 percent No robust framework in terms of regulating mini-grids The main problems facing mini-grids are issues of related to Power Quality

Zimbabwe Mini-grids below 100 kW are not regulated Regulation of mini-grids above 100 kW focuses on ensuring safety and technical performance

Malawi Policy promoting off-grid systems focusing on solar photovoltaics There is a fund to support rural electrification

Malawi Policy promoting off-grid systems focusing on solar photovoltaics There is a fund to support rural electrification Plans area underway to create an Agency responsible for coordinating rural electrification activities

Uganda Policy and regulation promoting RE and mini-grids in particular exist There is also Master Plan for off-grid projects There is threshold for regulating mini-grids through issuance of a licence Below the threshold, a project developer obtains a certificate of exemption Some projects have already been licenced Light Handed Regulation is applied when regulating

Sudan Rwanda Has a policy on RE which is in draft form at the moment Implementation of mini-grid project is on course Rwanda Has a policy on energy which covers mini-grid Regulation applies to mini-grids above 50 kW and is covered under the Grid Code

Zambia Rural Electrification Act provides for capital subsidy There is a framework for regulating off-grid systems There is a Master Plan for rural electrification Mini-grids regardless of the size are regulated if they are supplying power to third parties or customers Some projects have already been licenced (issuance of a combined licence to a local area) Light Handed Regulation is applied when regulating Adopted IEC standards for regulating

Lessons There is need for policies, laws and regulations tailored to support RE and mini-grids in particular Regulation for mini-grids should take the form of Light Handed Regulation Tariff determination methodologies vary from country to country (need to have “similar like” methodology) The business model for mini-grids should take into account The ability/willingness of the people to pay The need for energy in an area e.g. lighting, productive, etc Development of mini-grids require some form of a subsidy. Sustainability………..?