By Patience Gondo
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has begun accepting applications for its 2026 Customer Supplied Prepayment Meter Scheme Agents, a move the regulator says is aimed at strengthening the supply chain of prepaid electricity meters at a time where many households continue to face long delays in accessing power connections.
In a statement on Monday , ZERA said individuals and prospective companies interested in selling or trading electricity prepayment meters must lodge their applications with ZERA by 31 December 2025.
The programme is administered under Statutory Instrument 85 of 2018, which introduced the Customer Supplied Prepayment Meter Scheme to widen consumer access to meters through authorised private suppliers.
ZERA said approved applicants will receive registration certificates valid until December 31 2026, with renewals conducted annually.
“Current agents already operating under the scheme will not be required to start the process afresh,”ZERA said.
Instead, they will be automatically considered for renewal depending on their performance, provided they finalise the renewal process by January 10 2026, as stipulated in their registration conditions.
ZERA further said all completed application forms must be emailed to the addresses provided by the authority and accompanied by proof of payment of a non-refundable US$100 fee or its equivalent at auction rate.
“Emails must be clearly titled “2026 Customer Supplied Prepayment Meter Scheme Agents Application to ensure they are processed correctly,” ZERA said.
The regulator advised applicants to download the official forms and guidelines from its website. Banking details for both USD and ZWG payments were also supplied in the notice to guide prospective agents on where to deposit the application fee.
ZERA’s latest call comes as consumers across the country continue to report long waiting periods for prepayment meters, which are required before most households can receive electricity.
The Customer Supplied Prepayment Meter Scheme was introduced to reduce such backlogs by allowing vetted private agents to participate in the distribution of meters. While the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) remains the primary supplier, authorised agents have been a key alternative source for consumers seeking faster access to meters.
ZERA said all enquiries regarding the 2026 application process can be directed to its offices through the phone numbers and email addresses listed in the notice. The authority emphasised that the process is open to both new entrants wishing to join the sector and existing agents seeking to maintain their operating status.
The regulator stated that the call for applications forms part of its broader mandate to ensure reliable, regulated and consumer-focused access to energy services in Zimbabwe.