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The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has challenged ZESCO to uphold fair treatment of consumers by adhering to its electricity schedules and ensuring the promised seven hours of power availability, following the recent tariff increase.
On Thursday, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved emergency tariffs requested by ZESCO, effective from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
The ERB stated that it would reassess the situation at the end of this period to determine whether an extension would be necessary.
Reacting to the ERB’s approval, ZAM president, Ashu Saga, stressed the importance of ZESCO maintaining accountability and delivering reliable power, especially with the increased costs passed onto consumers.
In an interview in Lusaka on Friday, Saga noted that while consumers were expected to pay more for electricity, ZESCO should meet its commitments and ensure efficient service delivery.
“There’s a larger conversation around ZESCO improving its efficiency. It’s not acceptable for them to simply raise tariffs without making changes that benefit the consumer. We are calling for ZESCO to stick to the promised seven hours of power availability. If they don’t, it will mean consumers are being charged more for less, which is unfair,” Saga said.
Saga highlighted the importance of ZESCO being accountable in its operations, noting that efficiency improvements were critical for ensuring a fair balance between cost and service for the country’s manufacturers and the public at large.
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