Rwanda MPs Question REG: CEO Grilled Over Persistent Power Outages

• Rwanda Energy Group (REG) CEO Maximilien Byilingiro was questioned by the Senate Committee on Economy and Finance regarding frequent power outages and supply quality.
• Lawmakers and committee visits confirmed widespread consumer complaints about unreliable electricity and potential equipment damage.
• REG attributes some outages to necessary network upgrades and is implementing alternative supply routes in areas like Gahanga, Nzove, and Gikondo.
• REG's installed generation capacity is 472.9 MW, with 56% from renewables, and the national electricity access rate stands at 88.3%.
• The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) is also assessing power cuts, while REG aims to improve communication about planned interruptions.

The Rwanda MPs questioning REG power outages underscores a growing demand for accountability and improved service delivery in the energy sector.

On Thursday, September 10, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Maximilien Byilingiro, faced questioning from the Senate Committee on Economy and Finance regarding persistent issues with electricity supply. Lawmakers expressed significant concerns over frequent power interruptions and the overall quality of power delivered to consumers across the nation. The inquiry highlighted widespread dissatisfaction, with senators reporting numerous complaints from various institutions and individual consumers about unreliable electricity services.

Committee chairperson Fulgence Nsengiyumva underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing that the committee had conducted site visits to schools, health facilities, and other electricity users. These visits corroborated the complaints, confirming prevalent issues with both the reliability and quality of electricity provision. Despite an reported electricity access rate of 84 percent by 2024, consumers continue to face significant challenges. A primary concern raised by the public is the potential for frequent interruptions and voltage fluctuations to cause damage to their electrical equipment, leading to financial losses and operational disruptions. The Rwanda MPs questioning REG power outages underscores a growing demand for accountability and improved service delivery in the energy sector.

In response to the parliamentary inquiry, REG CEO Maximilien Byilingiro explained that some power outages are an unavoidable consequence of ongoing network upgrades. He clarified that sections of the electricity system must be temporarily de-energized to allow for critical infrastructure work to proceed safely. To mitigate the impact of these necessary interruptions, REG is actively improving network configurations. This involves creating alternative supply routes designed to allow consumers to receive electricity through a different channel while their primary line undergoes upgrades.

Byilingiro provided examples of this strategy already being implemented in areas such as Gahanga, Nzove, and Gikondo, where substations and supply networks are undergoing expansion to boost capacity and offer additional connection options. For instance, some consumers in Gikondo, whose usual supply channel was being upgraded, were successfully reconfigured to receive electricity via the Gahanga and Nzove networks. The Rwanda electricity network upgrades are part of a broader effort to enhance the national grid. Currently, REG's installed generation capacity stands at 472.9 megawatts, aiming for a target of 615 megawatts under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Renewable energy sources contribute 56 percent of the current installed capacity, with a goal to reach 60 percent by 2029. Byilingiro also noted that the national electricity access rate has reached 88.3 percent, comprising 63 percent through the national grid and 25 percent through off-grid solutions.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, REG is also focusing on enhancing communication with its customer base. The utility is committed to ensuring that consumers are adequately informed about any planned power interruptions, a measure intended to help individuals and businesses prepare and minimize inconvenience. This commitment comes as the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) is also actively assessing the broader issue of power cuts, indicating a multi-faceted approach to addressing the nation's electricity supply challenges.

The ongoing scrutiny by the Rwanda Senate Economy Finance Committee power issues highlights the critical importance of reliable electricity for economic development and daily life. The concerns about equipment damage underscore the tangible impact of unreliable supply on consumers. As REG continues its ambitious network upgrades and works towards its generation capacity targets, effective communication and robust regulatory oversight, including RURA's electricity supply assessment Rwanda, will be crucial in building consumer trust and ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply for all.

Lawyers advising clients on energy contracts, infrastructure projects, or consumer rights in Rwanda should monitor the outcomes of this parliamentary inquiry and any subsequent regulatory actions by RURA regarding electricity supply reliability and quality. This could impact contractual obligations, operational risks for businesses, or potential avenues for consumer redress related to power interruptions.

Source: Original reporting via New Times