The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved the application by Zesco Limited to increase electricity connection fees from K769 to K3, 510 for a single-phase overhead in high density areas effective January 1, 2023.

In low density arears, the approved increase is from K2, 873 Kwacha to K4, 846.

ERB Board Chairperson Reynolds Bowa has disclosed that the board has directed the power utility company to connect consumers upon payment of at least 50 percent of the connection charge.

In April this year, Zesco applied to increase standard electricity connection charges, citing challenges to promptly connect consumers resulting in backlog of 67, 000 pending applications as at 31st December 2021.

By Shem Malinda