The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ARE) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently warned against energizing electrical installations without a certificate of conformity. 

 "Any energizing of electrical installations not previously covered by a certificate of conformity constitutes both an administrative and a criminal offense. The ARE or other authorized departments will take appropriate action following provisions 119 et seq. of the law,"  Marc Kuyu, ARE’s Deputy Director, wrote in a circular dated March 4, 2025.

The law mentioned regulates the power sector. It was enacted on June 17, 2014. Articles 119 to 138 of the law allow the ARE to investigate and sanction violations. 

CIRCULAIRE N°03/ARE/DG/DGA/03/2025 pic.twitter.com/WfjCrOLLqW

— A.R.E/RDC (@AREDRC1) March 4, 2025

Article 127 stipulates that powering installations without certification can lead to prison sentences ranging from six to twelve months and fines between one and five million Congolese francs (CF). Additionally, non-compliance causing major disruptions to networks, as outlined in Article 126, carries penalties of three to six months imprisonment and fines between 10 and 100 million CF. Administrative sanctions under Article 134 include injunctions to comply with regulations, suspension of operating rights, contract termination, and even bans from operating in the sector.

The March 4 circular also reiterates that all electrical installations—new or existing—must be certified before being connected to the grid. Certification is contingent on an inspection conducted by an independent expert appointed exclusively by the ARE.

This article was initially published in French by Boaz Kabeya (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho