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The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has extended ZESCO’S Emergency Tariff period for another three months after effecting the same in November last year as a result of reduced water levels in the country’s main reservoirs.
ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, announced that the board had decided to extend the ZESCO Emergency tariff period from February to April this year because it had been found that the circumstances had not changed.
Banda, however, in a statement issued on Saturday stated that tariffs applicable for residential, commercial and maximum demand customer categories for the emergency period be maintained at the rates approved in October last year.
The ERB on April 12, 2024 declared an emergency on ZESCO Limited’s inability to meet national electricity demand due to reduced water levels in major water reservoirs arising from the prolonged drought situation over Southern Africa.
“On January 31, 2025, the board determined that the emergency still exists and consequently, resolved to maintain and extend the approved 2024 ZESCO emergency period tariffs for a further period of three months from 1st February to 30th April 2025,” he said.
“Despite the increase in the electricity tariffs, ZESCO did not raise the target revenue of US$15 million monthly, having reported US$2.4 million and US$7.6 million in November and December 2024, respectively,” Banda said.
He further said: “The ERB hereby directs ZESCO as follows: The approved emergency tariffs should be effective for three months from 1st February to 30th April 2025, after which the ERB will re-evaluate the emergency situation and grant an extension, if necessary.”
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