By Chamuka Shalubala
Energy expert Boniface Zulu says the emergency tariff has played an important role in keeping electricity services running at a time when power utility, ZESCO was facing serious financial strain.
His remarks follow an announcement from the Energy Regulation Board –ERB-that ZESCO’s emergency electricity tariff hike has come to an end.
Engineer Zulu notes that the temporary measure helped cushion the effects of prolonged load-shedding, which had impacted both households and industries across the country.
He has explained to phoenix news that while the emergency tariff provided short-term relief, it was never intended to be a permanent solution.
Engineer Zulu says there is need for government and ZESCO to develop a sustainable tariff structure that supports low-income households while ensuring the financial health of the utility company.
He adds that a well-balanced tariff system would also make Zambia’s energy sector more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
PHOENIX NEWS