The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved ZESCO’s emergency tariff adjustment proposal, aiming to alleviate financial constraints and reduce load shedding hours.
ERB Board Chairperson James Banda explained that the approval seeks to benefit low-income households and small businesses, enabling them to afford essential utilities.
“The approved tariff will help ZESCO import more electricity, reducing load shedding hours,” Banda said.
However, the approval comes with conditions:
ZESCO must apply the tariff for only three months (November 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025), after which the ERB will review its effectiveness.
The company must explore alternative power generation sources, prioritize local power purchases if cost-effective, and adhere to the set load shedding schedule.
ZESCO is also required to intensify public awareness campaigns on energy-saving measures and provide weekly updates to the ERB, demonstrating that income generated from the tariff hike is used solely for electricity importation.
The ERB has warned of enforcement of sanctions if ZESCO fails to comply with these conditions.
This decision aims to address Zambia’s ongoing load shedding challenges and support vulnerable households.
ZESCO will implement the new tariff rates starting November 1, 2024.
