The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has rejected the electricity emergency tariff adjustment proposal by ZESCO Limited which was submitted this month.
ERB received an application from ZESCO for approval of an emergency tariff after ERB’s declaration of a state of emergency based on ZESCO’s inability to meet national electricity demand.
Speaking during a media briefing to render the Board’s decision in Lusaka today, Board Chairperson, James Banda, said it noted that despite ZESCO Limited’s aim to adjust the tariffs, it does not have intentions to reduce the load shedding hours among other things.
“This is of particular concern as the lack of stable and reliable electricity has been detrimental to business operations, “said Mr. Banda.
Mr. Banda also said that the aim of the application was to raise $14 million monthly from retail customers to support the procurement of 300MW to replace that will be lost when Maamba Energy undertakes it’s scheduled maintenance and Kariba North Bank Power Station shuts down in September 2024.
Mr. Banda however said ERB will work with ZESCO and government to explore alternatives measures to mitigate the situation and source financing to support the importation of electricity.
By Margaret Mwanza
