Zambia: Consumer Association Joins ERB And ZESCO To Investigate Prepaid Meter Credit Depletion

The Zambia Association of Consumers (ZACA) has joined the ongoing electricity meter verification exercise, this portal can report.

Executives of the association on Friday were seen accompanying officials from the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) as they visited homes on the Copperbelt to conduct a thorough assessment of electricity meters in the area.

The ERB is leading a team comprising the Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) and ZESCO Limited to verify electricity meters following complaints of rapidly depleting prepaid units.

Mr Peter Nsemiwe, ZACA Copperbelt Coordinator, joined the verification team in Kitwe.

The exercise follows nationwide complaints by consumers that their prepaid meter credit is running out faster than expected.

Earlier this month, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote directed the ERB to investigate the claims and submit a report.

In recent weeks, many households across Zambia have raised concerns over what they describe as unusually fast depletion of prepaid electricity units, prompting calls for regulatory intervention.

Consumer groups have demanded transparency in meter accuracy, billing systems and tariff application.

The verification exercise is aimed at testing the accuracy, calibration and compliance of prepaid meters to ensure customers are billed correctly and to restore public confidence in the country’s metering system.

Authorities say findings from the inspections will inform further action, including possible technical adjustments or policy measures where necessary.