Government has clarified that the Electricity Open Access framework is not intended to dismantle current contractual electricity supply arrangements, but instead aims to create opportunities for new players to participate under a transparent, consistent, and fair regulatory environment.
The Electricity Open Access was enacted under the Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019 and the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019 to open up the country’s electricity transmission and distribution networks, ensuring equal access for all stakeholders in the energy sector.
In a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Director Electricity and Power Development during the official opening of the of the Electricity Open Access Stakeholders Consultative meeting in Lusaka today, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Arnold Simwaba said Zambia continues to face electricity supply challenges and that the open access initiative is one of the strategies being introduced to help alleviate the issue.
“From government’s perspective Open Access means attracting new investment into generation, freeing up more supply for residential and SME consumers, Supporting industrial growth and job creation and ensuring new supply meets future demand, said Mr. Simwaba.
He further said government will implement a monitoring system to oversee the rollout of the framework, ensure continuous improvement, and provide necessary policy backing.
Meanwhile, Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Executive Director Elijah Sichone reiterated that the Electricity Open Access policy is meant to enable eligible participants to make use of available spare transmission and distribution capacity on an equal and non-discriminatory basis.
“It’s crucial to stress that open access does not disrupt existing arrangements. Instead, it introduces room for additional participants, guided by fair, transparent, and predictable rules,” said Mr. Sichone
He said the feedback and contributions received during today’s stakeholder meeting will be incorporated into the final versions of the open access implementation documents and will be published on the ERB’s website by 31st august 2025.
By Margaret Mwanza
