Zesa Holdings has been set tough performance standards and goals in both energy supply and administrative efficiency, with the Government taking an active role in monitoring progress.
This was detailed in the charge to the new board by Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi yesterday.
Among other measures, which include energy security and supply expansion, the new board will simplify its administration drastically, especially at top level, by consolidating the four operational subsidiaries and the holding company back into a single entity.
Outlining the terms of reference for the new Zesa board, Minister Chasi said Government required the board to implement a robust turnaround plan.
Dr Sydney Gata leads the nine-member Zesa board.
Setting the goals, Minister Chasi said the board should work out plans that see restoration of energy security and supply balance and the reintroduction of an operation reserve of at least 10 percent.
“Government expects the development of a business strategy that will ensure a viable utility,” he said.
Reversing the unbundling of Zesa was on the list, with the board charged to “consolidate the ZESA Group into one entity.”
This, said Minister Chasi, should result in a consolidated balance sheet that can underwrite new investments and develop a bigger electricity sector.
“The board must review the existing staff structure to optimal levels and ensure that the staff quality and
complement is sufficient to drive the strategy through retrenchments, retiring, transfers or rotations where necessary,” he said.
“Give place to technology of all types and to ensure adoption of ICTs to achieve operational efficiency.”
Further, the board is required to ensure the generation of a system development plan and work closely with the Rural Electrification Agency in the implementation of the rural energy master plan to ensure universal access to energy by 2030.
The board should embrace and participate in the development of all types of renewable energy technologies including rooftop solar, on-and off -grid systems, net metering and be receptive to innovative ideas as the energy sector is in transition.
-State Media