By WELLS CHIFUNDA
Electricity tariffs are likely to be hiked in Zambia next year if the current prevailing water levels in the Kariba dam continues or worsens, United Party for National Development UPND spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has disclosed.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr Mweetwa says there are recommendations made by the utility company, ZESCO, to the Energy Regulation Board to hike electricity tariffs in order to expand production of electricity.
He says ZESCO concluded its research and its report suggests an increase in the electricity tariffs but that the utility company will have to make that application to the Energy Regulation Board.
The UPND spokesperson says ZESCO has monopolized the industry and has a lot of debt resulting in its failure to maximize the production of electricity.
Mr. Mweetwa however says that if ERB decides to hike the Tariffs it will be designed that those in lower density and low income communities will pay less than those in high income communities.
He says if no intervention is made, Zambians may be subjected to 11 hours of load shading every day.
However, Mr Mweetwa says the hike will be dictated by the Energy Regulation Board after assessing and reviewing ZESCO’s report.
Nevertheless, Mr Mweetwa says he is disappointed by those preaching that life will be hard ahead of 2023.
