The recent power cuts, he explained, have been caused by multiple factors. In some cases, REG issues advance notices when electricity is scheduled to go off due to planned works. In other cases, however, power cuts occur unexpectedly and last for extended periods.
Speaking in an interview with IGIHE, Eng. Zingiro highlighted the main causes: 'The reasons behind power outages are varied. Most often, they are caused by faults on power lines or by reductions in power supply resulting from technical issues at power plants. Whenever this happens, we move quickly to resolve the issue so that the outage duration is minimized.'
Zingiro added that outages may also result from maintenance or network expansion activities. 'When the works are planned, we inform our customers in advance so they can prepare,' he said.
According to Zingiro, REG has put in place immediate measures to better communicate with customers whenever outages occur, while also carrying out regular maintenance on the grid and power plants to prevent such problems.
As part of its broader plan to improve supply during peak evening hours, REG announced that on September 6, 2025, it began a two-month project to rehabilitate a 1.5-kilometer line connecting Kimisagara and Kigali sectors in Nyarugenge District. The upgrade will benefit an estimated 3,000 residents who previously struggled with blackouts in the evenings.
REG added that similar cases across the country are being factored into its planning to ensure lasting solutions.
On the issue of communication, Zingiro explained that REG uses different channels to inform customers when outages are planned. 'Whenever power is about to go off, we notify people. We use various methods, including social media.
'We also have hotlines and REG branches across the country that operate 24 hours a day to respond to customer queries and inform them of any issues. If it is planned work that will cause outages, we always send prior notices through official announcements,' he said.
Incurred losses due to outages?
Because electricity sometimes goes off without prior notice, many people whose daily activities depend on it suffer damage to equipment or disruption of services, leading to financial losses.
Asked whether those who incur losses receive compensation, REG CEO Eng. Armand Zingiro responded that such cases are regrettable, but that REG itself is also affected.
'Power cuts hurt us as well because they are never intentional. The losses are not borne by customers alone â€" we also experience them. We will continue to do everything possible to prevent the causes of these outages,' he said.
For individuals and businesses with equipment or goods that cannot tolerate even brief outages, REG recommended installing backup generators to ensure continuity whenever there is a power cut.
The company urged all its customers to promptly report any issues so that assistance can be provided without delay. It also appealed to the public to cooperate in protecting electricity infrastructure, warning against vandalism of power poles and cables.
As of July 25, 2025, Rwanda's electricity access rate stood at 84.6% of the population.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/reg-responds-to-recurring-power-outages
