Chikote dismisses alleged increased electricity tariffs

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has refuted reports insinuating that ZESCO has allegedly increased tariffs. A report has gone viral depicting that the power utility company has increased electricity tariffs. Mr Chikote dismissed assertions saying he is not aware of the said tariff increment.

Delivering a ministerial statement in parliament today, the Minister directed ZESCO Management and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to furnish and provide him a comprehensive report on the alleged increased electricity tariffs on 16th March, 2026. “I direct ZESCO and ERB to provide a comprehensive report on the concerns from members of the public on the increased electricity tariffs,” he directed. Mr Chikote said investigations will commence to establish the truth of the matter surrounding the increment of the electricity tariffs.

He explained that electricity metering is in four categories namely 001 to 100 per kWh purchased at 35 ngwee, 100 to 200 per kWh buy power at K1. He added that those that consume 200 to 300 buy power at K2.22 ngwee and those using above 400 per kWh purchase at K3 respectively. And Mr Chikote has announced that the government is importing 511 megawatts (MW) of electricity from one of Zambia’s neighboring countries.

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He noted that there is a jump in the provision of electricity to the consumers from three to 24 hours on a daily basis. Mr Chikote revealed that currently, available supply stood at 1,971 MW while the targeted usage is 2,400 MW. Mr Chikote assured that the government working closely with the Independent Private Producers (IPPs) is determined to provide electricity to its citizens to ensure steady supply of the commodity.

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