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Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has directed ZESCO and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to investigate the rapid depletion of electricity units and submit a report by March 16, 2026.
In a ministerial statement in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Chikote urged Zambians to exercise patience while investigations were ongoing, assuring that the findings would be made public once concluded.
He emphasized that the government remained committed to securing a stable, reliable, and resilient electricity supply for Zambia.
The Minister noted that the government would continue to closely monitor the power situation, strengthen coordination with key stakeholders, and implement additional interventions where necessary to address any emerging supply gaps.
“In April 2023, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved a five-year multi-year tariff framework for ZESCO (2023–2027), promising a gradual migration towards cost-reflective tariffs,” Makozo said.
He explained that following the declaration of drought as a national disaster in February 2024 by the President, the ERB suspended the multi-year tariffs and introduced emergency tariffs to enable ZESCO to raise revenue for emergency power imports.
Additionally, to encourage the migration to alternative sources of power such as solar and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the tariffs were implemented in three-month intervals from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025.
“Following the expiry of the emergency tariffs on October 31, 2025, the ERB reinstated the multi-year tariff framework effective November 2025. Under this framework, tariffs for residential, commercial, social services, and water pumping customers have been maintained,” Makozo said.
He further stated that the government was aware of citizens’ concerns regarding faster depletion of electricity units and has therefore directed ZESCO and the ERB to conduct investigations and submit a report by March 16, 2026.
Makozo assured that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, the government remained firmly committed to decisive action, practical solutions, and results-driven service delivery.
“In this regard, government has put in place deliberate and well-coordinated measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s energy security both now and into the future,” he said.
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