By Staff Writer
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has fined five energy companies a total of K180, 000.00 for breaching various licence conditions which included the dispensing of fuel in a Public Service Vehicle with passengers on board.
Other condition was retailing petroleum products at an old pump price contrary to ZS 385 Part 5 Clause 4.8.2 and Clause 3.6.4, respectively of their licence to Retail Petroleum Products.
ERB Manager – Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa said Following recently held enforcement hearings, the ERB fined Vivo Energy Limited, K60,000, RUBiS Energy Zambia Limited , K30, 000, Total Energy Marketing Zambia Limited, K30,000.
Others are Puma Energy Zambia, K30, 000, and Oasis Oil Energy Zambia Limited, K30, 000, respectively, for breaching various ERB licence conditions.
Ms Kasumpa said specifically, Vivo Energy was sanctioned for dispensing fuel in a Public Service Vehicle with passengers on board on April 1, 2023 contrary to clause 4.8.2 (f) of ZS 385 Part 5.
She also said the enterprise was fined for retailing petroleum products at an old pump price on 1st April, 2023 contrary to clause 3.6.4 of their licence to Retail Petroleum products. Vivo Energy Limited was fined a total of K60, 000 for the two offences.
“In addition, Puma Energy Zambia, RUBiS Energy Zambia Limited and Oasis Oil Energy Zambia Limited were all fined K30, 000 each for dispensing fuel in a Public Service Vehicle with passengers on board on 1st April 2023 contrary to ZS 385 Part 5-Clause 4.8.2 (f), whilst Total Energy Marketing Zambia Limited was levied K30, 000 for Dispensing fuel in an unauthorized plastic drum on 1st April 2023 The penalties were imposed on the erring licensees following enforcement hearings, at which the licensees were given an opportunity to be heard,” she said.
Ms Kasumpa said the ERB subsequently found the above named five licensees wanting and undertook enforcement action against the enterprises.
“ERB has since DIRECTED all licensed companies operating in the energy sector to ensure that they familiarise themselves with their licence conditions as well as set standards in order to ensure that they are compliant at all times.
“Furthermore, members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting any identified anomalies relating to the provision of energy products and services by any licensee, to the ERB on Toll Free Line 8484,” she said.
