Some consumers have called on the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to reject the application by Zesco Limited to revise the electricity tariffs for the multi-year period from 2023 to 2027.
Following submissions made during the public hearing in Lusaka, Universal Mining Corporation Industrial Limited shareholder Dr. Julius Kaoma says revising the tariffs will cripple the operations of the industry.
Other submitters such as a Livingstone based Livestock farmer Ruth Henson questioned the business models used by the power utility company that threatens the operations of its client base.
Meanwhile, Zesco Limited Head of Business Development Fitzpatrick Kapepe contends that revising the electricity tariffs will spur investment in economic sectors such as mining, industrial, agricultural and tourism.
Mr. Kapepe says failure to revise the electricity tariffs will make Zesco Limited unable to attain the cost reflectivity of its operational costs owing to its current debt portfolio.
This was revealed during the Public Hearing on the application by Zesco Limited to revise electricity tariffs for a five-year period.
By Shem Malinda