Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa says the recent regulatory and statutory changes in the energy sector make it clear that all transmission and distribution lines in the country irrespective of ownership are declared as Common Carrier to facilitate a move towards a competitive market.
Mr Nkhuwa said the Government is also aware of recent developments that may have been misconstrued or caused uncertainty among private players in the Electricity Supply Industry notably the recent deal for 600 Mega-watts of Solar-PV signed between ZESCO Limited and Power China.
He has stressed that this development should not be misinterpreted as Zambia remains very much open to Private Projects.
In a statement, Mr Nkhuwa said studies undertaken so far indicate that the current grid infrastructure is capable of absorbing in excess of 1000 Mega watts of power from intermittent energy sources by 2025 and substantially more, going forward.
He said the Ministry of Energy together with all concerned Private Players and Cooperating Partners will continue to support implementation of various initiatives in the Power Sector that promote participation of the Private Sector and ensure the smooth implementation of on-going programs such as the Global Energy Transfer Feed in Tariff Program and the Intermediary Power Off-taker Concept as approved by Cabinet.
Further, Mr Nkhuwa said it should be noted that the Ministry of Energy will continue to embrace other new and innovative approaches aimed at developing the power sector.
He has reiterated Government’s open-door policy and commitment towards promotion of private sector participation in the development of a robust, diversified and secure power se in Zambia.
You dont need a court to tell these foooools that we the taxpayers will pay CEC millions of dollars
Anything that involves China and the PF government will be a source of concern for any right thinking Zambian. The fact that you are telling us not to worry about the Power China deal is exactly why are concerned.
OMG! What sort of reasoning is this from a minister? A big population for country is good for the economy as China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria and all have proven. Zambia’ s women population is capable of trebling the population of Zambia annually. But that is no reason a sensible government will legalize rape and adultery by declaring women common carriers! Alas, it looks like PF is headed in this direction….declaring women of Zambia as common carriers!
Total failure, lamentable. As a PF youth, I will not compromise the truth. Our leaders have failed. All economic indicators are down, we are even worse off than in the MMD government economically – FACT.
Tarino shut the front door! You don’t pay any taxes in our country. Maybe for wiping old people you pay it to the UK and that is a big MAYBE. anyway back to article this is good development and we thank you for clarifying this issue to our people. Kz
Well this is good yeah?…..it means we won’t get frisked by CEC refusing to obey the govt in future, we’ll just grab it and tell them to holla! No…. Well I like to see govt taking control of our resources and infrastructure especially when, ‘investors,’ mainly invested in their own interests try to pull a fast one against our benefit.
It’s good to see govt getting a bit rouge….only can they find a way to wrestle our taxes from Mines investors?
Meantime you are killing CEC, a local, indigenous company, formed amd run by zambians. And you are signing deals with Chinese power companies. If this isnt the greediest, most corrupt and least patriotic government in our history, then kaya
There is need for further views in those directions there is much to see and put in place there towards
Historically, CEC as Congo Border Company decided to connect the coal fired power stations at Nchanga, Roan Antelope, Rhokana and Mufulira as one unit. It was jointly owned by the two copper mining companies, Rhodesia Selection Trust and Anglo American Company. When the mines were nationalized it became Power Division. Unfortunately under privatization the power division was sold separately. So historically the mines put up the transmission lines and not government. You may ask yourself why the Power Division was not transferred to ZESCO. I think myself that the people responsive for privatization were greedy.
ati ba minister Zambia and you expect development?????????. ifyashala lundeniko
But did the deal between Power China and Zesco go through competitive tender? And what are the details kanshi? Like what will be the price of power? is it cheaper than maamba power?
Looks like the opaque deal was hurried through before IMF begins to supervise future debt.
I understand that all transmission and distribution lines have been declared as a common carrier. But who is going to be maintaining and upgrading the transmission lines which CEC owns as more energy is transmitted in the lines? Suppose CEC buys power from Zaire and exporting to South Africa and CEC lines are fully loaded what happens to the power ZESCO is sending to Copper-belt? Zambia can only be allowed to send certain amount of power to South Africa via Zimbabwe Lines. ZESCO should use international approach to CEC.