Chikwanda backs ZESCO’s tariffs targeting differential treatments for low, high consumers

Energy enthusiast, Johnston Chikwanda, has voiced support for ZESCO’s tariff adjustment application to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), which aims to reduce electricity costs for customers using less than 200 units.

The proposal is expected to benefit approximately 730,000 households—most of ZESCO’s customer base—connected to the national grid.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Grand Palace Hotel in Lusaka, Chikwanda explained that the adjustment was intended to ease the financial burden on vulnerable customers consuming up to 200 units.

He emphasized that these households represented the majority of ZESCO’s customers.

“Two hundred units are sufficient to meet the basic needs of most customers. The burden of this tariff adjustment will mainly fall on customers using more than 500 units, who represent less than 10 percent of the customer base,” Chikwanda said.

He further noted that the tariff reduction would also apply to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) using up to 100 units, while businesses consuming between 100 and 500 units would see no change in rates.

“The price for social categories—such as places of worship, schools, hospitals, and registered orphanages—will remain unchanged,” Chikwanda added.

Chikwanda pointed out that many premium customers who use more than 500 units have already transitioned to solar energy, which will soften the impact of the proposed price increase for this group.

He noted that some members of the middle class were also shifting to solar solutions, further reducing their reliance on ZESCO.

He praised the efforts of these premium customers, acknowledging the significant investments they have made in solar energy systems.

Chikwanda stressed that ZESCO’s application is not only focused on reducing costs for low-income customers and small businesses but also on ensuring that those who consume more electricity contribute more.

“This application is also about raising funds so ZESCO can import more electricity to improve the country’s energy security. Energy security is directly linked to national security, making this application crucial for the nation’s safety and stability,” he explained.

Chikwanda called on Zambians to support ZESCO’s application, urging them to recognize the importance of the proposal in providing relief to the majority of customers while ensuring that those who require more electricity pay their fair share.

“The application also seeks to increase the electricity tariffs for certain large commercial customers, some of whom are currently paying less than churches and orphanages,” Chikwanda concluded.

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