ZACA rejects proposed electricity connection increase

The Zambia Consumer Association [ZACA] has rejected the proposed increase in electricity connection fees by power utility ZESCO amid the high cost of living.

ZESCO has sought approval from the Energy Regulation Board to adjust upwards electricity connection fees for one phase overhead from k779 to k4, 600 for customers in high-density areas while those in the low-density area will be required to pay k13, 300 from k2, 873, with customers in un-demarcated high-density areas to pay k7, 000 from k1, 709.

ZACA Executive Director Juba Sakala has accused the government of offloading all the problems facing the power utility on consumers without assessing whether the people are able to meet the proposed fees.

Mr Sakala feels once approved, the increase in connection fees will make access to electricity a luxury and not a necessity.