The Ministry of Energy has urged key stakeholders, consumer bodies, and experts to actively participate in the ongoing investigation into the rapid depletion of electricity units, amid rising concerns over increased ZESCO tariffs.
Ministry of Energy Principal Public Relations Officer, Bob Sianjalika, acknowledged the challenges faced by households and businesses, stressing that the Government is committed to protecting consumer interests.
“We are fully aware of the difficulties that our citizens are experiencing. This issue has arisen even as many Zambians believed the situation had improved, but isolated concerns require attention,” he said.
Mr Sianjalika emphasised the need for a collective effort, highlighting that Zambia’s energy sector has made significant strides, including the elimination of load shedding.
“We trust the ERB and ZESCO experts to guide us through this process and ensure that the sector operates efficiently while safeguarding consumers,” he said.
And Small business owners and households in Lusaka district have raised concern over the increase in electricity tariffs, saying the move is putting pressure on their livelihoods and household budgets.
Barber shop owner, Joseph Bwalya said the higher tariffs have resulted in electricity units being depleted faster than before, forcing them to adjust service charges amid customer complaints making it difficult for businesses to operate normally.
“We buy units and before you notice they are finished. As a barber shop owner, electricity is very important, but now we have increased prices and customers are complaining,” he said.
Mr Bwalya added that some appliances have been damaged due to power fluctuations thereby worsening the situation.
He further disclosed that some barber shop owners have resorted to acquiring solar equipment through loans from companies such as Sun King in order to operate from morning to evening.
“We are getting loans just so that we can work, but we are still making losses because we have to repay the loans and at the same time buy electricity which does not even last two weeks,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Lusaka welder, Julius Sakala has also expressed concern that his machines consuming a lot of power and the increased tariffs are significantly raising operational costs.
Mr Bwalya further said the increased tariffs have affected their budgets and may force them to increase prices for their services.
“The machines we use require a lot of power. With the increase in electricity tariffs, we cannot continue charging the same prices because we will be making losses,” he said.
Martin Chirwa a resident of kalingalinga has equally bemoaned the impact of the tariff adjustment, saying electricity units that previously lasted a full month are now depleting within two weeks.
Mr Chirwa explained that the increase has compelled families to change how they use electricity at home.
“Before the increment, electricity units would last the whole month, but now it is a challenge. We may have to stop using appliances like electric stoves and consider alternatives such as solar panels,” he said.
The Ministry has since called on citizens and business owners to support efforts to strengthen the energy sector.
