‘Electricity tariffs not adjusted upwards,’ ERB says it is currently probing rapid depletion of prepaid electricity units

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has launched investigations into widespread public complaints concerning the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity units, Director-General, Elijah Sichone, has confirmed.

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, recently directed the regulator to look into concerns raised by members of the public over the perceived fast consumption of ZESCO units.

Speaking at a media engagement forum on Thursday in Lusaka, Sichone said the directive aligned with ERB’s mandate and that investigations were currently underway.

“We received complaints about units depleting quickly, and we have been directed to investigate the matter. We are on course, and a comprehensive statement will be issued to the Ministry once the investigations are concluded,” he said.

However, Sichone noted that the perceived fast depletion could be attributed to increased electricity consumption following improved power supply.

“We previously had load shedding and fewer hours of electricity supply. Now that electricity supply has increased, this may also have an impact on the bill,” he said.

He clarified that ERB had not adjusted electricity tariffs beyond the approvals made last year.

Sichone encouraged consumers to adopt responsible energy-use practices, including switching off appliances in unused rooms and exploring alternative energy sources for meals that require prolonged cooking, such as beans.

On fuel supply, he assured the public that the country has adequate stocks, with diesel standing at 25.9 days of cover at a daily consumption rate of 5.4 million litres, while petrol has 21.3 days of stock cover.

He explained that earlier disruptions in diesel supply were due to challenges in the berthing process in Tanzania, but the issue has since been resolved.

“We had a challenge with the berthing process, but we quickly moved to resolve it. There is now an agreed time period during which Zambian fuel will be allowed to berth,” he said.

Sichone also revealed that ERB conducted a survey of 680 service stations, of which 646 — representing 95 percent — were selling both diesel and petrol.

He further emphasized the importance of accurate, timely, and balanced media reporting, noting that it played a crucial role in attracting investment and supporting economic growth.

The media engagement forum, he said, provided an opportunity for journalists to better understand the reforms ERB had implemented over the past four years to transform the energy sector.

Zambia, he added, had performed well in implementing regional regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening and expanding the energy industry.

Sichone urged the media to continue collaborating with ERB to promote responsible and factual reporting.

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