Government and senior officials from the state-run Rwanda Energy Group met on Jan. 7 to discuss persistent power outages and identify ways to improve electricity supply, amid growing complaints from consumers and businesses.
The talks brought together the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Canoth Manishimwe, and top management of Rwanda Energy Group, known as REG. Discussions focused on day-to-day operations and measures aimed at improving the reliability and quality of energy services across the country.
In a statement shared on X, REG said the meeting resulted in several recommendations and the creation of a dedicated task force to oversee their implementation. The task force is expected to monitor progress, propose additional solutions and provide technical input on key challenges affecting energy service delivery.
According to the ministry, the group will prioritize identifying quick and sustainable responses to the problems raised and submit its findings to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The recommendations are expected to inform possible revisions to energy-related policies and operational guidelines.
The meeting comes as Rwanda has experienced intermittent power outages in recent days, affecting households, businesses and public services. Electricity users have complained that the disruptions have led to financial losses, interrupted commercial activities, disrupted learning in schools and strained health services that rely on stable power supply.
Officials at the Ministry of Infrastructure have acknowledged the challenges but say some of the outages are linked to regional electricity transmission networks that Rwanda shares with neighboring countries. Rwanda is part of interconnected power systems in East Africa, which officials say can sometimes expose the country to supply disruptions beyond its direct control.
The government has in recent years invested heavily in expanding electricity generation and distribution, with a focus on hydropower, methane gas from Lake Kivu and renewable energy. Authorities say improving reliability remains a priority as electricity demand continues to grow alongside the country’s economic development.
