The proposed adjustment to Zambia’s electricity tariffs has elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some lauding it as a way for ZESCO to collect more revenues, while others criticize it as an indirect way of imposing higher costs of living on low-income households. Dr. Fred M’membe, the president of Zambia’s Socialist Party, has weighed in on the matter, describing it as a move that will further burden already struggling Zambians.
Dr. M’membe stated, “The real issue is the burden that will be placed on ordinary Zambians, particularly the poor, who will bear the brunt of this increase. While the high-end users might be targeted, the fact is that the majority of Zambians will be affected by this move, including those who are already struggling to make ends meet.”
He further noted that the tariff adjustment, while based on the concept of High Performance Pricing, is not a perfect solution for Zambia’s skewed economy. The large middle to upper-class population, who will bear the brunt of the price increase, are struggling with high costs of living.
“The cost of electricity is already a significant burden on many Zambians. This move will only serve to make life harder for those who can least afford it. Instead of burdening the poor, the government should be looking for ways to alleviate their plight,” Dr. M’membe added.
He called on the government to address the underlying issues facing the energy sector, such as lack of investment in renewable energy sources, instead of burdening the poor with higher costs.
Despite the criticism from some quarters, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has defended its decision to approve the adjustment to ZESCO’s tariffs. ERB Board Chairperson Reynolds Bowa said that the Board had taken into account ZESCO’s financial position, consumer submissions, and government policy to strike a balance between the utility’s viability, affordability, and government aspirations.
“The ERB has also given special attention to low-income households, small commercial operations, social services, and water utilities to ensure that they are not unfairly burdened by the tariff adjustment,” Bowa added.
The new tariffs, effective May 1st, 2023, will also see the introduction of water pumping tariffs applicable to water pumping facilities operated by licensed water utility companies. While the tariff adjustment has been approved, it remains to be seen how it will affect ZESCO’s revenues and the cost of living for ordinary Zambians.
Mmembe is speaking the truth. I have just woke up with hangover. Last night we went a bit crazy on the whiskey. Who knows the best place for soup ya mbuzi? Let us promote local business of pf supporters
KAISALA ZUKU bring something not what you are talking.
I don’t do politics on Sunday. I am worshipping yaweh
I too have woken up after a Crazy night with my 25 yr old whisky, but still realise this yapper has very little to offer much like Pf
Zesco is an inefficient and poorly run company…if you carry a bucket of water with a hole in it you will always need water. Zesco needs unbundling let them just deal with generation, distribution ..then privatise the retail side of things.
It’s not guaranteed that Zesco will increase its revenue from increased tariffs. Many consumers might just scale down their consumption thereby shrinking economic prospects further. The largest consumers of electricity enjoy a low flat rate under a skewed BSA that Zesco has with CEC. These are actions that make the celebrated economic messiah look like a fraudster that lied his into State House. These aren’t actions of a person that’s working at reviving an economy. Let’s brace for harder times ahead
They top heavy that’s why they can’t make money.
Gotta hate this guy M’membe’s hypocrisy. His PF buddies run Zambia’s economy poorly with debts,worsening statics and growing poverty yet he never criticized them.
As long as money is not going into covering contracted loans and into productive sectors, then as a nation we are at a loss.
There must be means of checking were moneys are being utilized most.
Electricity is a necessity and matter of National security.
ZESCo is a National Asset the is Funded by Tax-Payers and Other National Resources.
Ideally it should have been free for Domestic Users!!