By Chinoyi Chipulu
Good governance activist Noel Chisebe says the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) prioritised the interests of Zambians by rejecting Zesco’s proposed tariff hikes.
In an interview yesterday, Chisebe said the board made a wise decision to reject Zesco’s request to hike electricity tariffs.
He said the move demonstrated ERB’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Zambian citizens and supporting the government’s efforts to mitigate the economic challenges facing the nation.
“We commend ERB for prioritising the national interest and shielding citizens from further economic burdens. This decision is a testament to their dedication to responsible regulation and sensitivity to the needs of the people,” he said.
He said the proposed tariff increase would have only exacerbated the economic hardships faced by many Zambians and undermined the government’s initiatives to stabilise the economy.
“We urge all stakeholders to continue working together to find sustainable solutions that benefit our nation and its people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Economic Front national spokesperson Humphrey Kabwe has commended (ERB) for not entertaining what he termed as an exploitative move by Zesco to hike electricity tariffs.
Kabwe said people voted for the UPND because they promised to reduce the cost of living but they had failed to deliver on their promises.
Last week, ERB rejected an application by Zesco for an emergency tariff upward adjustment.
ERB received an application from Zesco for approval of an emergency tariff after ERB’s declaration of a state of emergency based on the utility company’s inability to meet national electricity demand.
ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda at a press briefing, said despite the utility company’s aim to adjust the tariffs, it did not have intentions to reduce the loadshedding hours among other reasons.
