Electricity (Own Consumption Undertakings Licensing Capacity) Regulations, 2026
Businesses generating electricity for their own use need a ZERA licence only above 10MW; plants of 100kW to 10MW must register with ZERA before construction for a US$10 fee.
The Minister of Energy and Power Development, after consulting ZERA, has set licensing rules for electricity generation stations that produce power for their owner's own consumption.
No one may operate an own-consumption generation station with capacity above 10 megawatts without a ZERA licence. Anyone intending to build and operate one between 100 kilowatts and 10MW must register it with ZERA before construction, using Form GFOC1, and attach a grid impact assessment report, company registration documents, evidence of access to land, and an environmental impact assessment or an exemption letter from the Environmental Management Agency. The registration fee is US$10, excluding VAT.
When construction is complete, the operator must file Form GFOC2 with a commissioning certificate. ZERA will publish a quarterly newspaper notice of registered own-consumption stations up to 10MW and keep a register of registered and operational projects. Connection, operation and maintenance must follow all relevant existing laws.
The forms ask for the technology, nameplate and battery storage capacity, EPC company, funding, expected plant life and upgrades, and whether the plant has been inspected by ZETDC, will be net-metered and has been commissioned. The regulations do not say what applies to plants below 100kW.
What changed
- A ZERA licence is required only for own-consumption generation above 10MW.
- Own-consumption plants of 100kW to 10MW must register with ZERA before construction, for US$10 excluding VAT.
- Registration requires a grid impact assessment, company documents, proof of land access and an EIA or EMA exemption.
- Completed plants must notify ZERA on Form GFOC2 with a commissioning certificate.
Who this affects
- Businesses, farms and institutions installing their own generation
- Mines and manufacturers with captive power plants
- EPC contractors building own-use plants
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.