Company Overview
Rural Electrification Authority (REA) was established to enhance electricity access in rural areas across Zambia. Formed by an Act of Parliament, the agency now progresses under Act No. 5 of 2023. REA employs several technologies, such as Grid Extension, Biomass, Wind, Solar Energy, and Mini-Hydro, to achieve its objectives. As of December 2020, REA completed several projects, including 188 grid extension initiatives serving approximately 67,710 households and reaching about 376,260 direct and 1,009,256 indirect beneficiaries.
Vision: "A Beacon of excellence in providing access to electricity to all rural communities for improved livelihoods."
Mission: "To electrify rural communities in an equitable and sustainable manner for social-economic transformation."
Core Values (I2TAP): Integrity, Innovation, Transparency, Accountability, Partnership.
REA aims to enhance rural electricity access rates to at least 51% by the year 2030.
Leadership Team
- Eng. Linus K. Chanda - Chief Executive Officer: Leading strategic vision with extensive experience in engineering and leadership roles.
- Alex Mbumba - Director of Engineering Services: Oversees technical execution of electrification plans.
- Joseph Ntanda - Director of Finance: Manages budget and financial reporting with expertise.
Strategic Initiatives and Achievements
REA is executing a strategic plan (2022-2026) developed through stakeholder engagement, with notable initiatives including:
- Solar Energy Projects: Installed 429 solar home systems serving 118,311 direct beneficiaries.
- Mini Hydro Projects: Completed Kasanjiku Mini Hydro Power Station in Mwinilunga district, targeting 12,000 beneficiaries.
- Wind Energy Projects: Conducted wind resource assessment in Lunga district, planning hybrid energy solutions.
Partnerships and Collaborations
REA partners with governmental entities such as the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulation Board, alongside various associations, to enhance project delivery.
Recent Developments
Funding for REA's projects increased from K360 million in 2022 to K740 million in 2023, reflecting the authority's commitment to expanding rural electrification.
Contact Information
- Address: Stand No. LN15087/2, Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia.
- Phone: +260-966-862-081
- Email: info@rea.org.zm
- Website: [REA](https://www.rea.org.zm/)
- Social Media: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/REAZambia/), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/REAZambia), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rural-electrification-authority)
Competitor Overview
Key Competitors
1. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
- Founded in 1942, NRECA is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and connects over 900 electric cooperatives across 47 states, serving over 40 million people.
- Controls 42% of the US distribution lines, serving 12% of the population.
- Emphasizes renewable energy, integrating it into over 90% of their cooperatives for an 11% power generation mix.
- Secured $1.6 billion from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund for rural broadband enhancement.
2. Eagle Creek Renewable Energy
- Specializes in hydroelectric power, operating 85 facilities with the capacity to serve over 260,000 US homes sustainably.
- Recent acquisition of Lightstar Renewables expands community solar project offerings.
- Functions as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation.
3. Utility Services Associates
- Offers water system leak detection and management services, including water audits and pipeline condition assessments.
- Primarily services municipal bodies in various US regions.
4. Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
- A non-profit think tank focused on global energy transformation, with an annual budget exceeding $120 million and over 600 employees.
- Advocates for clean energy transitions and carbon reduction, influencing policy and promoting innovation for cleaner energy solutions.
