CLAIM: It is now illegal to run a 5KVA generator without the ZERA license
SOURCE: Twitter
VERDICT: False
An image showing a fine imposed on a business over a generator has gone viral on social media, with one such tweet garnering over 32 000 views. Some users have claimed that you now need a licence to operate a small generator at home, such as the widely used 5kva generator.
This is not true. You only need a licence for a big generator of 100kW or above. This is under the Energy Regulatory Act (Chapter 13:23), which was enacted in 2011 when the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) was formed.
Under this law, ZERA must register “all electricity generators and the licensing of all entities operating a generation facility of 100kW installed capacity and above”.
ZERA confirms it has not made any changes to this law. It is not true that you now need a license to run a 5kva generator at your home.
So, what does that image of the fine mean?
The image circulated shows that a shop was fined under the Environmental Management Act for “illegally operating an air-polluting appliance (generator) without a licence.”
What does this Act say? Section 64 of the Act says: “No owner or operator of a trade or any establishment shall emit a substance or energy which causes or is likely to cause air pollution without an emission licence issued by the Board.” This has been the law since 2002.
Businesses must apply for an “emission licence”. When they apply for this, EMA will inspect the business premises to find out if the emission will pollute the environment or affect other people in the area.
Conclusion
It is not true that you now need a license to run a generator at home. However, businesses are required to pay for licenses and allow inspections for pollution.
