The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved ZESCO Limited’s application to revise electricity tariffs for the period from 1st November 2025 to 31st October 2027.
In a statement, ERB Board Chairperson James Banda announced that the new tariff structure follows a review of ZESCO’s proposal submitted on 10th October 2025, which sought to replace the existing emergency tariffs that have been in effect since 31st October 2023.
Under the new structure, the ERB has approved the termination of the emergency tariff framework effective 31st October 2025 and the introduction of a Lifeline tariff aimed at supporting low-income households through two distinct residential categories.
The approved tariffs also maintain the lifeline rates for both residential and commercial customers, while implementing the already approved Multi-Year Tariff Framework (MYTF), which will be in effect from 2025 to 2027.
Mr. Banda has explained that among the key highlights of the decision is a 4.6 percent reduction in the highest emergency tariff rate for residential consumers, moving from K3.363 per kilowatt-hour to K3.208 per kilowatt-hour.
He has added that the current tariff levels for commercial, social services, and water pumping categories will be maintained, with a slight reduction in the cost of energy from K1.2742 per kilowatt-hour to K1.0509 per kilowatt-hour.
The ERB has further removed fixed charges on both distribution and maximum demand customer tariffs, while directing ZESCO to undertake additional studies to develop a more equitable and sustainable tariff structure.
Additionally, ZESCO has been allowed to maintain the cost of the first 200 units per month for residential customers as a safeguard for lifeline consumers.
Mr. Banda has emphasized that the revised tariffs are intended to balance ZESCO’s financial sustainability with the need to protect vulnerable consumers and ensure fairness in electricity pricing.
The new tariff schedule takes effect on 1st November 2025 and will remain in force until 31st October 2027, during which ZESCO is expected to submit a “True-Up Report” to the ERB before any further tariff adjustments are made.
The ERB has assured consumers that the approved rates strike a balance between affordability and the need to maintain ZESCO’s operational efficiency and service reliability.
By Rachel Mumba
