Zambians have called on the country’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to reject the application by ZESCO Limited to revise the electricity tariffs for the multi-year period from 2023 to 2027.
The Energy Regulation Board on Thursday, March 10, 2023, held a public hearing on the proposal by the country’s power distribution company requesting for upward review of electricity tariffs.
According to a report filed by Diamondtvzambia.com, some Zambians who attended the programme kicked against the request by ZESCO.
The report said the Universal Mining Corporation Industrial Limited Shareholder Dr. Julius Kaoma, who was at the public hearing, stated the tariffs would cripple the operations of the industry if they are revised.
Ruth Henson, a Livingstone based Livestock farmer questioned the business models used by the power utility company that threatens the operations of its client base.
Meanwhile, Zesco Limited Head of Business Development Fitzpatrick Kapepe contends that revising the electricity tariffs will spur investment in economic sectors such as mining, industrial, agricultural and tourism.
Mr. Kapepe says failure to revise the electricity tariffs will make Zesco Limited unable to attain the cost reflectivity of its operational costs owing to its current debt portfolio.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com