The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) says the proposal by Zesco to increase electricity tariffs is ill timed due to current economic distress.
The chamber has also observed the need to revise the Electricity Act to enable independent power producers to sell power to any consumer rather than Zesco Limited.
ZACCI President Michael Nyirenda says Zambia needs to do more in terms of diversifying the energy sector.
The ZACCI President said this when he featured on Money FM Business Radio’s Power, Policy and Money Programme that airs every Mondays and Thursdays at 9hrs.
Mr. Nyirenda said there is need to revise the Electricity Act so as to bring in more players in the energy sector as this may reduce the cost of electricity in Zambia.
He added that the current legal framework in Zambia does not allow other players to come on board and invest in the generation of electricity.
Mr. Nyirenda stated that Zesco should increase its electricity generation capacity and export it to needy countries such as Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.
He said there is a slot of demand for electricity in the three countries but also within the region.
Meanwhile, the Africa Consumer Union says government, through the Ministry of Energy should consider restructuring Zesco before it becomes a burden to the people of Zambia.
Union First Vice President Muyunda Ililonga says Zesco is passing the cost of inefficiencies to consumers.
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