Government boosts energy efficiency measures-Chikote

Government has reiterated its commitment towards implementing diverse measures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across critical sectors, in order to lower the cost of products and services for consumers. Speaking during a Continental Training on Determination of Distribution Grid Losses and Development of Reduction Action Plans in Africa, Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, who was represented by the ministry’s Director Planning, Sineva Kambenja, says that energy transmission and distribution losses translate to revenue loss and affects provision of power to underserved communities. “In Zambia, distribution losses stand at approximately 12.75 percent, above the global average of 7 to 10 percent,” said Mr Chikote Mr Chikote added that the training will equip participants with practical insights and solutions to address the said challenges as African countries prioritise efforts to reduce grid losses and strengthen energy efficiency.

He emphasised that the government recognises the importance of strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Electricity Act and the Energy Regulation Act, in order to fully harness the potential of energy efficiency. Africa Energy Commission (AFREC) Executive Director, Rashid Ali Abdallah who was represented by Head of Policy planning & strategy Yagouba Traoré, added that addressing the said energy challenge is the fastest way to boost utility finances, improve reliability, lower costs for consumers, and stop premature investment in new power generation. Mr Abdalah added that the African Union through the Continental Power System Master plan (CMP) projects that electricity demand will more than double by 2040, which calls for the need to improve quality and quantity of electricity.