COST-REFLECTIVE TARIFFS KEY TO ENDING LOADSHEDDING – ZULU

Energy expert, Boniface Zulu, says the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs is essential for sustaining Zambia’s energy sector and ultimately resolving the persistent issue of loadshedding.

Mr. Zulu explained that the current non-cost-reflective tariff structure has deterred investment, hampering the growth and development of the sector.

Speaking to RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Zulu was responding to a recent statement by Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, who announced a proposal by UK-based Echo Eight Energy to invest in 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy in Zambia, with the aim of ending loadshedding by December 2025.

However, Mr. Zulu expressed skepticism about the long-term impact of the proposal.

He noted that while the addition of 5,000 MW would significantly ease power shortages, it would not fully eliminate loadshedding due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

By Christabel Kamunu