ZESCO Limited has been fined K100,000 by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) for failing to establish and maintain appropriate safety systems and standards, in a broader crackdown on non-compliance within the energy sector.
The action is part of enforcement measures taken against twenty-nine companies found to have breached licence conditions and failed to meet their statutory obligations.
In a statement, ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa said Uno Energies Zambia Limited received the highest penalty of K180,000 for fuel contamination and failure to conduct mandatory quality checks.
Harvest Group of Companies Limited was also fined K60,000 at both its Tokyo Way and Buluwe Road sites for construction-related violations, while Sany International (Zambia) Industrial Limited was fined K60,000 for constructing an electricity generation facility without a required permit.
Kasumpa said the enforcement actions follow comprehensive compliance audits conducted under the Energy Regulation Act, aimed at ensuring adherence to operational standards.
Meanwhile, eight companies have been issued formal warnings for failing to comply with an ERB directive dated 27th February 2025, which required the submission of self-audit reports within a prescribed timeframe. These companies include Chingases Company Limited, Exclusive Brands Africa, Oryx Energies Zambia Limited, Falcon Gas Zambia Limited, Lake Gas Zambia Limited, Gastec Trading and Supply Limited, Rubis Energy Zambia Limited, and Minegases Company Zambia Limited.
In addition, fifteen companies have settled outstanding statutory fees comprising Licence Fees, Strategic Reserve Fund Fees, and Fuel Marking Fees amounting to K366,507.25 following enforcement action.
The ERB has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance, protecting consumer interests, and promoting safety and efficiency in the energy sector, stressing that all licensed entities must operate within the provisions of the Energy Regulation Act.
By Rachel Mumba
