Government says nine out of twenty-three diesel generators procured for installation in public institutions, have now arrived in the country, while the remaining fourteen are expected to arrive in the country in the coming week.
This follows an announcement in July this year by Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, that ZESCO Limited will install diesel generators to essential institutions such as markets, health institutions and selected learning institutions, to ensure that there is continuous power supply.
Speaking in Lusaka today, during the National Address on the energy situation in the country, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Peter Mumba, said the nine diesel generators that have been received so far, will be installed this week beginning with two at Chilenje and Nyumba Yanga Markets and another two to be installed at Soweto market.
Mr. Mumba said the installation of all the 23 diesel generators will be completed by 30th September 2024.
And Mr. Mumba said government is seeking alternative means and ways to support ZESCO limited, following the Energy Regulation Board (ERB’s) decision to reject the ZESCO emergency upward tariff application.
“To this end, we will shortly announce how ZESCO will be supported following the recommendations of the Energy Regulation Board,” said Mr. Mumba.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mumba said the ERB has now published the Net Metering and connection fees to enable the public to participate as producers and consumers (prosumers) of electricity on the national grid and support the country’s solar uptake.
“The ERB has determined k1.59 per kilowatt hour as the net metering tariff and that the distribution Use-Of-System (UOS) charge shall not exceed 39 ngwee per kilowatt hour. ERB has determined that these tariffs will apply until 31st December 2024, at which point they may be reviewed,” said Mr. Mumba.
By Eva Hatontola
