REPORT ON MINI – GRID POWER GENERATION DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPLY REGULATIONS, 2021 PRESENTED BY THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, TOURISM AND LAND CLUSTER



  1. INTRODUCTION
    On Tuesday, 16th February, 2021 the Honourable Minister of Energy and Meteorology tabled the Mini – Grid Power Generation Distribution and Supply Regulations, 2021. The Regulations were referred to the Portfolio Committee on the Natural Resources, Tourism and Land Cluster for consideration in terms of Standing Order No.100 (3). The Committee invited the Hon. Minister of Energy and Meteorology to a briefing session in accordance with Standing Order No. 101 (2). The Committee, therefore, presents this Report to the House for consideration.
  2. MINISTERIAL BRIEFING
    The Mini – Grid Power Generation Distribution and Supply Regulations, 2021 are made pursuant to Section 112 of the Lesotho Electricity Authority Act, 2002 as amended. The Minister of Energy and Meteorology explained that these Regulations seek to promote the expansion of electricity supply in Lesotho. The regulated activities include generation, distribution and supply of electricity. The Regulations cover the following areas of Energy Policy 2015 – 2025:
    • To ensure operation and development of a safe and efficient electricity sector;
    • To ensure security of electricity supply;
    • To protect the interests of all classes of electricity consumers as to terms and conditions of supply; and
    • To promote access to renewable energy services and technology.2
    The Regulations have the potential of enhancing economic activity in the Country and the following categories will benefit from their implementation:
    ➢ Private Sector intending to do business on electricity mini-grid;
    ➢ The Government, on the improved security of electricity of supply; and
    ➢ Communities where electricity mini- grids operations will be carried out (increase in electricity access).
    The Regulations impose financial charges in the form of application fees, licence fees and tariffs as provided by the Lesotho Electricity Authority Act, 2002 as amended.
  3. CONCLUSION
    The Committee resolved to allow all the provisions of the Mini – Grid Power Generation Distribution and Supply Regulations, 2021.
  4. RECOMMENDATION
    The Committee recommends that the Subordinate Law be allowed and this Report be adopted by the House.
  5. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
  1. Hon. K. Mathaba (Chairperson)
  2. Hon. T.C. Lerafa
  3. Hon. T. J. Molise
  4. Hon. P. S. Molefi
  5. Hon. L. G. Motšoane
  6. Hon. J. M. Sello
  7. Hon. S. S. Sekhamane
  8. Hon. M. M. N. Moremoholo
  9. Hon. T. Ramatla
  10. Hon. M. Lenkoane
  11. Hon. L. D. Kompi
  12. Hon. M. ‘Muso
  13. Hon. M. Sello
  14. Hon. M. ‘Molotsi
  15. Hon. T. G. Manyooko
  16. Hon. N. E. Kaya
  17. Hon. T. Kholumo
  18. Hon. S. Ntsekele
  19. Hon. T Tṧolo
  20. Hon. M. Moletsane