Government says it will not allow any threats to the continuity of reliable power supply on the Copperbelt Province.
Mr Nkhuwa has also announced that the Electricity Bulk Supply agreement between Zesco and Copperbelt Energy Corporation CEC which has lasted for 23 years expires at midnight tonight.
Mr Nkhuwa said that despite the agreement running a full course, it has not been a happy one for Zesco, Government and the people represented.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today on the status of the bulk supply agreement, Mr Nkhuwa said Government and Zesco engaged CEC for an interim agreement to facilitate for continuity of power supply to the Copperbelt.
He has disclosed that the purpose of the engagement with CEC was to develop significant and better terms which would ensure sustainability of supplies to the Copperbelt province.
The Energy Minister however, expressed sadness that despite the meetings with CEC to negotiate a new term agreement, there is still no hope for positive results.
He said notable among the delay is the disagreements concerning the effective tariffs for both the power being supplied to CEC and the reciprocal transmission service charges among others.
Mr Nkhuwa said the factors are critical in achieving a commercially sustainable power supply agreement between Zesco and CEC.
He said CEC is requesting for an agreement with a 16 year tenure with commercial terms not favourable to Zesco and not willing to sign a 12 month tenure based on the negotiations in the last 7 days.
The Minister said Zesco cannot commit to long term supply agreement which results in difficulties in implementing the recommendations of Cost of service study currently underway.
He said this situation has consequences on both the electricity industry players and the customers including the mines on the Copperbelt.
Mr Nkuwa has however assured the public and customers using CEC supplied electricity that the Zesco shall continue to provide uninterrupted power supply to CEC on an interim basis until further notice.
